Anne Roos
South Lake Tahoe, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
“Anne Roos is an amazing harpist and this CD showcases her talents beautifully. A small musical group joins her on this effort, which highlights songs about woodland creatures such as fairies, nymphs and trolls. A 31 page hardcover book comes with the CD and it talks about various folk history and legends--a nice touch to a well thought out musical effort.
The group provides a lovely sound. CDs that are put forth only showcasing harp music can be nice, but it is equally wonderful to have some additional accompaniment; and it expands the amount of people that it will appeal to as well.
Roos' harp music is effortless. Gliding and sliding over notes, she shows her skill time and again, but this isn't "gaudy" music. It's simple, pretty fare. At 18 tracks, there are quite a few songs to enjoy here, each offering its own mood and feel. The gentleness of the harp is underscored in some pieces, the yearning almost palpable. If you love the instrument, you have to listen to this and see what can be done with the various arrangements. If you aren't a huge fan of the harp, there are still plenty of tracks here that you can enjoy.”
- Celtic MP3s Music Magazine-August 2008
May, 2008
“What brings this CD up a level from just another pretty harp album is Roos’ sharp and clean harp playing,” stated Lahri Bond about Anne Roos’ newest CD release, A Light in the Forest. Here is her entire review as it appears in the upcoming June/July 2008 issue of Dirty Linen Magazine:
"Here is a nifty little idea; combine a CD of Celtic harp music, thematically connected by songs about forest and faerie lore, with a CD-sized hardcover book of background information and stories associated with each song. In the hands of a lesser player than Anne Roos, this could have easily been an exercise in prancing around the pixie dust, but Roos’ research, design sensibility, and, most of all, her masterful playing makes this project a delight.
Joined by Char Berta on woodwinds, Chris Caswell on harmonium and percussion, Michael Frost’s viola, Alan Fuller’s guitars and cittern, and Dorothy A. Hawkinson’s spectral Hardanger fiddle, Roos takes center stage with her sweeping and articulate harp playing on 18 tunes, most of which are traditional. There is also a clutch of songs penned by Hawkinson, such as the richly melodic “Artemisia,” the sprightly “Bourree de la Luciole” (“Dance of the Firefly”), and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”-inspired “Bottom’s Dream.” What brings this CD up a level from just another pretty harp album is Roos’ sharp and clean harp playing. She also has a fine ear for melody and timing, which causes the listener to hear anew such time-honored songs as “King of the Fairies,” “Epping Forest,” and “The Gold Ring.”
The booklet is richly illustrated with paintings from such artists as Frank Goodwin and William Holbrook Beard and a host of Victorian postcard illustrations. Overall, this is an exceptional marriage of music, words, and visuals that both adults and children would enjoy very much.”
- Dirty Linen Magazine, an internationally distributed folk and world music magazine
“If I had to choose just one word to describe this new book by Anne Roos, it would be WOW!
Eloquent, I know.
Whether you have played one wedding or one hundred, you will benefit greatly from this book. Anyone playing any instrument for weddings (or really for any other kind of event) will find a true treasure of useful, practical information in this book that you will use time and time again.
One really nice thing about this book is that it is directed toward all musicians—not just harpists. Vocalists, organists, ensembles, even deejays can benefit from the information here.
The general rule when playing for weddings often seems to be “expect the unexpected.” There is no way for one person or one book to ever foresee every possible issue you might ever encounter, but this book comes about as close as you can get. I have been playing weddings for more than 25 years, and I cannot think of a single topic that has not been addressed here, which is pretty amazing!
Anne provides information about how to build a repertoire for weddings, deal with booking agents and wedding coordinators, determining what to charge, dealing with musical partners, what you need in your gig bag, dealing with mothers of brides (oh boy!), what to wear, putting together a performance agreement, advertising and marketing yourself and your services, etc. The list of topics covered is just amazing and too long to list here.
One of the many features that I really appreciate about this book is that Anne provides checklists and forms that you can make copies of and put in a binder to use every time you go out on a gig or whenever you are talking to a client on the phone about a prospective gig, which are really useful because it is so easy to get off track during phone conversations. These forms can be used to help both you and your client get the information you need. There is even a section that discusses how to make the best use of technology (Web, e-mail, text messages, etc.) to conduct your business.
I just cannot recommend this book highly enough. No matter how many wedding you have played at or want to play at or what instrument you play, you will find truly valuable information with every turn of the page.”
For more information about Anne Roos, please visit her website at www.celticharpmusic.com.
The Musician’s Guide to Brides: How to Make Money Playing Weddings is published by Hal Leonard Books and can be bought at any book, music or online store, including Barnes & Noble, Borders, and Amazon.com. For more information on where to purchase this book, go to www.HalLeonard.com. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com.
About the author of this review—Elizabeth “Betsy” Paine has been playing the harp for more than thirty years. She is a past Editor of the Folk Harp Journal.
The Folk Harp Journal is the official publication of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, an organization whose mission is to increase awareness of professional folk harpers, and to increase public awareness of the music and joys of the folk harp. Anne explains, "I always feel honored when my recordings are reviewed by my colleagues in the Folk Harp Journal".
- Folk Harp Journal--Fall 2008 Issue
Visit Zoom Street Magazine at www.zoomstreet.org. In their “Street Talk” section, you’ll find the latest review of Anne Roos’ Mermaids and Mariners CD by Editor in Chief, Derek Pell:
“Her melodic Celtic harp carried us away to briny breezes and dreams. Her CD case is also a lovingly designed book. Sweet!”
Zoom Street Magazine focuses on the world of digital photography, video, and associated accessories. It’s aimed at professionals and serious amateurs, but they don’t just review the tools of the trade. They also regularly review whatever inspires them, from art, fiction, and politics.
Mermaids & Mariners is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and many other stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com.
- Zoom Street Magazine, February 3, 2009
Anne Roos’ 5.1 Surround Sound CD, A Light in the Forest, is “Highly recommended to those who enjoy Celtic harp and traditional music,” says Elaine Cunningham on pages 65-66 in Issue #65 of Renaissance Magazine. Here is an excerpt of the review:
“A Light in the Forest, the latest CD from Celtic harper Anne Roos, is a genuine treat for people who like their traditional music played well, without electronic embellishment, in simple but interesting arrangements. This beautifully produced collection is presented in a booklet that illuminates each track with notes, stories, poetry, and art. Organized around a forest theme, this collection of traditional and early music has a nice sense of coherence while offering considerable variety.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy Celtic harp and traditional music, this would also be a good choice for those seeking music that evokes a Renaissance spirit while remaining easily accessible to the casual listener.”
Renaissance Magazine is a print publication that features articles on history, castles, heraldry, culinary and herbal arts, and in-depth interview with the movers and shakers of the re-enactment and faire communities. Regular columns review period books movies, music, web sites, and games.
A Light in the Forest is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and many online stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com.
 - Renaissance Magazine, January 26, 2009
Visit Zoom Street Magazine at www.zoomstreet.org. In their “Street Talk” section, you’ll find the latest review of Anne Roos’ Mermaids and Mariners CD by Editor in Chief, Derek Pell:
“Her melodic Celtic harp carried us away to briny breezes and dreams. Her CD case is also a lovingly designed book. Sweet!”
Zoom Street Magazine focuses on the world of digital photography, video, and associated accessories. It’s aimed at professionals and serious amateurs, but they don’t just review the tools of the trade. They also regularly review whatever inspires them, from art, fiction, and politics.
Mermaids & Mariners is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and many other stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com.
- Zoom Street Magazine, February 3, 2009
For Immediate Release--December 5, 2008
Anne’s CDs Recommended in Popular Irish Holiday Gift Guide
Corey and Liam are the hosts of the Irish Fireside website and podcast, your virtual tour of Ireland and all things Irish. And they have just posted their Annual Holiday Gift Guide 2008! They have made a special effort to feature items from passionate artists, crasftspeople and entrepreneurs.
Anne’s albums made it near the top of their list, and here is their review:
“When you give one of Anne Roos’ CDs, you are sharing more than the gift of enchanting music. Each disc of Celtic harp music is accompanied by a book with beautiful words and images to support the wondrous journeys you will take with each of her three CDs.”
Anne Roos' CDs on the Cambria Master Recordings label. They are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and elsewhere on the Internet. They are also available at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com, where speedy holiday shipping is available. - www.IrishFireside.com
In the August/September 2005 issue of Dirty Linen Magazine, Susan Hartman reviews Mermaids & Mariners, the latest album release by Anne Roos:
"Lovely" and "enchanting" are two words that come to mind in describing this CD. First, the packaging: in hardcover-booklet form, fronted by marbled paper surrounding a cutout through which shows a tinted illustration from a German fairy-tale book. Extensive notes include an essay on the nature of the "call of the sea," the history of each tune, and a biography of each musician. A perfect piece for gift shops...but how does the music stand up? Quite well, in fact. Anne Roos is an accomplished Celtic harpist, and she is joined by equally accomplished friends to form an ensemble that makes music at the crossroads of Celtic and "ancient music." The melodies of the Triplett harp are alternately surrounded by, bounded by, and interwoven with the sounds of a viola, fiddle, concertina, and guitar. Off-the-beaten-track traditional tunes are interspersed with newly composed tunes in a similar vein: it's impossible to separate them by ear alone. Easy-listening in the best sense, this reflective and relaxing music is just right for early mornings and late nights. - Dirty Linen Magazine, an internationally distributed folk and world music magazine
Flying in May or June of 2005? A track from Anne Roos’ CD Mermaids & Mariners will be featured on the “Rhythms of the World” Channel on United Airlines and Air Force One airplanes. This music can be accessed with on board headsets.
An official with the company says, “It's beautiful music and absolutely stunning packaging.” Mermaids & Mariners is actually a 24-page book containing an instrumental CD, featuring Anne Roos on the Celtic harp, with guitar, fiddle, and viola. This recording celebrates the lure of the sea through ballads, laments, and sea shanties. - United Airlines
In the August/September 2005 issue of Dirty Linen Magazine, Susan Hartman reviews Mermaids & Mariners, the latest album release by Anne Roos:
"Lovely" and "enchanting" are two words that come to mind in describing this CD. First, the packaging: in hardcover-booklet form, fronted by marbled paper surrounding a cutout through which shows a tinted illustration from a German fairy-tale book. Extensive notes include an essay on the nature of the "call of the sea," the history of each tune, and a biography of each musician. A perfect piece for gift shops...but how does the music stand up? Quite well, in fact. Anne Roos is an accomplished Celtic harpist, and she is joined by equally accomplished friends to form an ensemble that makes music at the crossroads of Celtic and "ancient music." The melodies of the Triplett harp are alternately surrounded by, bounded by, and interwoven with the sounds of a viola, fiddle, concertina, and guitar. Off-the-beaten-track traditional tunes are interspersed with newly composed tunes in a similar vein: it's impossible to separate them by ear alone. Easy-listening in the best sense, this reflective and relaxing music is just right for early mornings and late nights. - Dirty Linen Magazine, an internationally distributed folk and world music magazine
For Immediate Release--October 19, 2008
A 5+ Star Rating for Anne Roos' Surround Sound Album
“Celtic Radio gives Anne Roos’ "A Light in the Forest" a 5+ star rating for truly a masterpiece production of sound and music.” Read the entire review, as it appears on the CelticRadio.net website:
“Anne Roos' CD – "A Light in the Forest" - is a masterpiece of music and sounds that will gently take you away to a world of ancient melodies, majestic forests, fairies, castles and witches. This musical creation includes Anne on the Celtic Harp along with musicians playing flutes, recorders, whistles, percussions, viola, guitars and fiddles. Beautifully organized and arranged, A Light in the Forest is a splendid way to spend an autumn evening listening to the sounds of the season.
The CD comes in a gorgeous hardcover mini-book with 32 pages of full color pictures and commentary as well as historical background on each song. This production is very unique and top quality with the CD produced in super audio. It will definitely have a special place in your Celtic music collection. And if you love "A Light in the Forest", we are certain you will love Anne's other 2 similar productions; "Haste to the Wedding" and "Mermaids & Mariners" - also in the same format with hardcover mini-book included.
Celtic Radio gives Anne Roos' "A Light in the Forest" a 5+ star rating for truly a masterpiece production of sound and music. The included CD mini-book is certainly the best and most unique production that we have seen in our 7 years of operation and makes this a very compelling package to add to your Celtic music CD collection or as a gift to that someone special!”
This review appears on the CelticRadio.net October 2008 Newsletter. Celtic Radio is the home of Highlander Radio, Celtic Moon, Celt-Rock-Radio and BlueGrass Hills. They are an award-winning Internet radio station broadcasting a wide range of Celtic music 24 hours a day. They play Scottish, Irish and Celtic music from musicians across the world.
A "Light in the Forest" is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and other online stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com. - CelticRadio.net
For Immediate Release--October 19, 2008
A 5+ Star Rating for Anne Roos' Surround Sound Album
“Celtic Radio gives Anne Roos’ "A Light in the Forest" a 5+ star rating for truly a masterpiece production of sound and music.” Read the entire review, as it appears on the CelticRadio.net website:
“Anne Roos' CD – "A Light in the Forest" - is a masterpiece of music and sounds that will gently take you away to a world of ancient melodies, majestic forests, fairies, castles and witches. This musical creation includes Anne on the Celtic Harp along with musicians playing flutes, recorders, whistles, percussions, viola, guitars and fiddles. Beautifully organized and arranged, A Light in the Forest is a splendid way to spend an autumn evening listening to the sounds of the season.
The CD comes in a gorgeous hardcover mini-book with 32 pages of full color pictures and commentary as well as historical background on each song. This production is very unique and top quality with the CD produced in super audio. It will definitely have a special place in your Celtic music collection. And if you love "A Light in the Forest", we are certain you will love Anne's other 2 similar productions; "Haste to the Wedding" and "Mermaids & Mariners" - also in the same format with hardcover mini-book included.
Celtic Radio gives Anne Roos' "A Light in the Forest" a 5+ star rating for truly a masterpiece production of sound and music. The included CD mini-book is certainly the best and most unique production that we have seen in our 7 years of operation and makes this a very compelling package to add to your Celtic music CD collection or as a gift to that someone special!”
This review appears on the CelticRadio.net October 2008 Newsletter. Celtic Radio is the home of Highlander Radio, Celtic Moon, Celt-Rock-Radio and BlueGrass Hills. They are an award-winning Internet radio station broadcasting a wide range of Celtic music 24 hours a day. They play Scottish, Irish and Celtic music from musicians across the world.
A "Light in the Forest" is on the Cambria Master Recordings label. This and other albums by Anne Roos are available for purchase online at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, and other online stores. It is also available for purchase at retail outlets such as Barnes & Noble and Borders stores. Autographed copies can be purchased at www.celticharpmusic.com. - CelticRadio.net
“Metallica on a harp. That’s what I need to play on this podcast,” remarked Al Mann, host of the Celtic Folk Podcast. In the June 28, 2006 show called “Traditional Sounds”, he featured the tune “Jacky Tar” from Anne’s Mermaids & Mariners CD--even though he yearned to hear one of her renditions of a Metallica cover.
In his notes on the Celtic Folk Podcast website, Mann went on to say, “Anne is at the top of the ladder as a traditional Celtic harpist. She doesn’t just limit herself and her instrument to traditional tunes, however. You may find her getting down to some Metallica!” Well, maybe on his show next time around.
The Celtic Folk Podcast showcases Celtic and traditional music from around the world. Download this show, featuring Anne Roos, at www.CelticFolkPod.com (show number 5). This weekly podcast is also available for subscription on iTunes.
- Celtic Folk Podcast at www.CelticFolkPod.com
Discography
Anne’s CD projects demonstrate quality musicianship and versatility. Anne’s albums are unique--Her recent releases are actually little books with CDs tucked neatly into the back page. She recognizes that her listeners enjoy reading about the background of the music on her CDs.
Anne’s latest collections include music that she has arranged and performed over the past decades by request. “Velvet: Timeless Standards on the Solo Harp” contain melodies that will bring you back to the days of old movies, Broadway musicals, and televisions shows, dating back from the early 20th Century all the way to the early 1970s. And when you hear Anne’s “Blue Jeans: Modern Pop on the Solo Harp” album, you’ll think, “ I didn’t know anyone could play those songs on a Celtic harp!” It includes classic rock, heavy metal, R&B, country, and even a bit of new age music—Ballads that may bring back memories of school days, long-lost friends and teenage crushes. Both of these recordings contain a combined 50 tracks of your favorite songs.
“A Light in the Forest”, is her most technically beautiful recording to date. It was recorded in 5.1 Surround Sound, and is perhaps the first folk/world/Celtic CD to be available in this format. The disc contains music of the Celtic Harp with a small ensemble performing music about the woods and the creatures that dwell within them—fairies, trolls, nymphs, leprechauns, witches, bears, and more. It’s packaged in a 31-page hardcover book describing the folk history and legends of these creatures and the tunes.
Anne arranged and recorded a special Celtic wedding music CD called “Haste to the Wedding,” in direct response to the many requests she received from brides and grooms. “Haste to the Wedding” is popular with couples looking for romantic music to accompany their wedding festivities. It includes traditional Celtic music played on solo harp accompanied by an ensemble of traditional instruments. This CD is enclosed in a 48-page hardcover book containing vintage color images, Celtic toasts, blessings, legends, wedding traditions, and recipes.
“Mermaids and Mariners” features traditional and original music of the sea, arranged by Anne for both solo Celtic Harp and harp within a small ensemble. The beautiful sea ballads and shanties are packaged inside a 24-page hardcover book containing a bounty of illustrations and tales about life at sea and the lost loves of those who sail on its waves and swim at its depths. Selections from this recording have been featured on United Airlines Inflight Music Service.
One of her earliest projects, “Through the Mist,” features original New Age flute and harp duets, with flutist David Blonski. This recording is enhanced with soothing environmental sounds woven into the selections. This recording remains a favorite among massage therapists and yoga enthusiasts.
Anne’s Celtic Harp can also be heard on a number of recordings available through the Siddha Yoga Foundation in South Fallsburg, New York, featuring music based on Indian ragas. She has recorded as a guest artist on many other projects.
Her recorded music is also available for licensing. Anne Roos is an active member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), and her published music can be licensed through the Harry Fox Agency (Anne Roos is an ASCAP publisher).
Anne's recorded music and CDs can be sampled and purchased at her website, www.celticharpmusic.com
Photos
Bio
"Beautiful music!"--United Airlines In-flight Music Service
Anne Roos' Celtic harp music has flown around the world on United Airlines. Anne has played for dignitaries, such as the Lord Mayor of Dublin Ireland. And her performances at concerts, corporate events, wineries, festivals, and weddings number in the thousands. Anne Roos has played her eclectic mix of music on the Celtic harp for a gazillion years.
Listen to an early episode to NPR's "How to Do Everything", and you'll hear co-host Ian Chillag play Anne's version of "Stairway to Heaven", saying "Anne plays what is without a doubt the finest Celtic harp version of 'Stairway to Heaven' ever made.'" Funny, because there may be no other recorded versions of this tune on the Celtic harp out there.
Her live TV performances have received thousands of views on YouTube. Anne's good-natured versatility on the harp has won the hearts of TV anchors, who seem to find great delight in placing Anne in odd situations to play the harp--inside an elevator for live elevator music, and inside a shower (no water running!).
Anne is comfortable playing the harp just about anywhere--on stage in front of large audiences and for small, intimate gatherings, such as house concerts. Not the picky diva, she can perform with a finely crafted wooden harp, or a state-of-the-art lightweight, ten-pound carbon fiber harp, which can go places that no harp could go before. "I'm waiting for someone to ask me to play harp in a hot air balloon!" she says.
Anne's love of music dates back to childhood, when her father would take her to the Hollywood Bowl to experience the L.A. Philharmonic perform their annual summer programs. "I remember those magical nights, where I'd lie my head down on my dad's lap and watch airplanes zigzag far above overhead while listening to classical music." Anne loved it so much that years later, while attending UCLA, she worked in the Hollywood Bowl Box Office as her summer job. "My favorite part of that job was spending lunch break watching rehearsals."
Here attraction to English and Celtic music blossomed as a child and young teen at the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Fair, the nation's first Ren Faire. She sang in madrigal groups, performing period music in period costume. And then came the Celtic harp...
While employed at an incredibly stressful job, Anne serendipitously met the foremost harpist and arranger Sylvia Woods at a booth filled with little Celtic harps at a Winter Solstice Festival. "I needed an outlet. That job was driving me crazy." So, Anne signed up for a rental harp and began taking private harp lessons as a creative outlet. Next, she took music theory courses at UCLA, and Anne eventually taught music for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Anne continues to teach: She offers Celtic harp lessons to anyone in the world via Skype.
Her ability to play a wide variety of music on the Celtic harp is what sets Anne apart from other musicians. Her repertoire ranges from the expected--traditional Celtic, Early, Renaissance, folk, world and classical music--to the unexpected--modern popular music, including Broadway standards, movie themes, country, and Disney themes. Then there's the uber-unexpected tunes that often cause jaws to drop when Anne plays them: tunes by the Beatles, Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, Sting, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more. Her skilled renditions and flexibility make Anne a popular and much sought after musician for all types of events. She particularly enjoys being challenged with audience requests.
Anne's six commercially available albums are unique--Several of them are packaged as little books with CDs tucked neatly into the back page. She recognizes that her listeners enjoy reading about the background of the music on her CDs. Anne also collaborated with an ensemble of musicians on these albums, and she looks forward to playing with other musicians on stage. "It's fun to hear the creation of music organically, just for a specific performance. I love to see how the Celtic harp will blend with other instruments."
Anne is also a published author and considered a wedding music specialist with her book "The Musician's Guide to Brides: How to Make Money Playing Weddings", published by Hal Leonard Books as a manual for any musician who wants to keep their calendar filled with weddings and receptions. This user-friendly guide includes hundreds of tips for both the professional and novice musician. Anne also counsels and mentors musicians and entrepreneurs to help them make a living by gigging.
Anne Roos authored another book, too-This one for brides. The Bride's Guide to Musicians: Live Wedding Music Made Easy and Affordable, also published by Hal Leonard Books, is the book for brides who
Band Members
Links
