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About
Barbie Anaka
“Barbie Anaka is a jazz vocalist well on her way to earning national
recognition.”
-Cedric James, radio host KWJZ, 98.9
“Smooth Jazz”
A clear, fresh voice… smooth
jazz, some seductive soul, sophisticated songwriting, deep emotions and pure
pop perfection…that’s the sound of Barbie Anaka, Northwest Contemporary
Vocalist, Songwriter, Pianist, Producer and Music Educator. A mix of
eclectic influences; artists such as: Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Sade and
Prince; her style blends meaningful lyrics, solid grooves and catchy
melodies. Rave reviews at radio, television and print media say she’s one
to watch in the national music scene. Seattle radio host Cedric James of
KWJZ-FM, 98.9 “Smooth Jazz” states, “Barbie Anaka is a jazz vocalist well
on her way to earning national recognition.” Los Angeles’ New Music
Weekly magazine writes, “Were we ever impressed… this artist combines
brains with beauty… and has excellent material that is very radio ready.”
Drawn
to piano at age 5, Barbie taught herself to play and compose. It was natural
to be gifted with talent; her great-grandfather (a musician, actor, magician
and inventor) created and starred in the first traveling vaudeville show
in Canada. He made records of himself and his family singing and playing
musical instruments in the 1950’s.
In grade school, Barbie honed
her performance skills by studying piano, voice, dance, acting and modeling.
Musical proficiency and tenacity paid off; a producer recruited her for
recording sessions as a back-up vocalist at age 15. Roles in musicals,
commercials and modeling followed. On to prestigious Cornish College of the
Arts via a Merit scholarship, she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in
Music (jazz voice). At nineteen, airplay of a jazz demo garnered the
interest of well-respected industry veterans: bassist/composer John Clayton,
Jr. (The Clayton Brothers, Natalie Cole, Diana Krall), hit
songwriter/producer Jay King (of Club Nouveau/Timex Social Club fame), and
jazz pianist Billy Wallace (Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRea). They became
mentors, guiding the promising vocalist through ins and outs of music and
the music business.
Post college brought session
work, collaborations with other songwriters, the recording of several
demo’s, and gigs with R & B and top-40 bands. Barbie sat in regularly at
jazz jam sessions and eventually formed her own original group. She played
concerts, festivals, restaurants and coffeehouses, developing material for
the debut CD, In Love With a Memory. A sold-out show celebrating the
disc’s release at world-renowned Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley placed the artist in
demand, granting a live television performance on the morning news, press
recognition, and a busy performance schedule. Weekendenvironments.com
praised the recording, “I like every song on this wonderful disc… I
believe you will find there is not a single song you will want to skip,”
and New Age Retailer magazine said, “Anaka’s voice is pure and fresh….
the musicians are excellent and the arrangements sing with originality and
gentle passion.” The title track (In Love With a Memory) fared
well in an international songwriting competition, receiving Honorable
Mention in the Billboard Song Contest. The lead track from the same CD,
“Humanity”, won a slot on the “Future Hits” CD, volume 13, released to
radio stations across the country.
The follow-up to the first CD
did not disappoint the growing audience enjoying Barbie’s music. Ballads
Through the Night, recorded with pianist David Loy, returned the singer
to her jazz roots; showcasing a pristine, mature tone, a culmination of
experience and dedication to her craft. Indie-Music.com writes, “This is
moonlight over a quiet ocean. A romantic dinner by candlelight. Barbie
Anaka is a more angelic Streisand with a sultry, resonant, rich voice that
turns old-fashioned, classic jazz into living magic.”
Indiemusicreview.com praises the vocalist, “One thing is certain – this
girl can sing! Her rich vocal tones shine with unwavering beauty as she
carefully pushes out each syllable.” And weekendenvironments.com says,
“You want sultry and seductive, powerful and inspiring, tender and
romantic it is all here!”
Barbie Anaka & her group were most recently
featured as the house band (for two years straight), at Seattle’s only
waterfront hotel - The Edgewater Hotel/67 Lounge, The Sea Sounds Concert
Series, The Bite of Seattle, The Out-to-Lunch Concert Series, festivals,
clubs and many private events. Though her performance schedule keeps her
busy and traveling throughout the region, Barbie has produced several
projects besides her own: Paulina Alvarado – Mi Universo (album -
Latin based pop, Producer), Microsoft – Men in Black (one-off,
Co-Producer), Jennifer Eriksen – The Star (single, Producer).
Currently, Barbie is writing and in
pre-production for her third CD, due out later this year. She
continues performing with her band at many top west coast venues, works as a
session Vocalist and Producer, coaches new artists and teaches seminars
about the Music Business. She is also a voting member of the Recording
Academy. |
