A CD Launch Party for Men Are Like Potato Chips, the new upcoming album by Anni Piper, “Australia’s First Lady of Blues” takes place at Beach Hut Deli, 12436 SW Main St., Friday, May 29. Show: 7pm. Free. Info: (503) 718-7067 or visit beachhutdeli.com/store/tigard. Men Are Like Potato Chips drops June 1.
The Portland, Oregon-based musician formerly represented the Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast at the IBC (International Blues Challenge) and has released seven well-received albums, including Jailbait (2004), Texas Hold ‘Em (2007), More Guitars Than Friends (2016), and Blow Up Doll (2020). Her lyrics are sassy and fun, often poking fun at romance and relationships, and how men and women interact. Piper has earned a reputation as a songwriter of distinction, her work having a blues sensibility while still addressing the issues of today. Anni is also renowned as a formidable live performer, fronting her tight three-piece band on bass and vocals, with playful stage banter that make for a thoroughly enjoyable live show experience.
Piper first started playing electric guitar at age twelve, but switched to bass two years later. In 2004 Piper released Jailbait, which earned her “Best New Talent”at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards. Subsequent album releases include 2007’s Texas Hold ‘Em, 2009’s Two’s Company (which reached #1 on the Australian Roots Music Chart and #21 on the Living Blues chart), 2010’s Chasin’ Tail (released on Blues Leaf Records), and 2013’s Split Second, a duet effort with Nicole Hart.
Born and raised in Australia, her passion for blues was ignited by the sound of late Texas guitar great, Stevie Ray Vaughan. In 2020 Piper — who has called the United States her home since 2014 — released Blow Up Doll on her own Sugar Daddy Records label. Already an internationally-acclaimed recording artist, Piper was a Semi-Finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition. Picking up a bass guitar at age fourteen, Piper earned a Bachelor of Contemporary Music degree at nineteen. Finding it difficult to resume her performing career following the birth of her son, Piper recorded her debut album Jailbait in 2004. The all- originals album was meant to be a good quality demo and wasn’t intended for commercial release; much to Piper’s surprise, she was immediately signed to Black Market Music, Australia’s most prestigious blues label, and began touring throughout the country. Jailbait won multiple awards, including “Best New Talent” at the Australian Blues Music Awards, ABC Radio National’s ‘Fresh Air’ Contest, and second place at the Australian National Songwriting Contest.
Subsequent releases earned Anni a Finalist position in the Australian Blues Music Awards (Best Female Vocal), UK Songwriting Contest, Australian Performing Rights Association Professional Development Awards, and MusicOz Awards.
In 2008 Piper signed with Blues Leaf Records USA (Janiva Magness, Albert Castiglia) and released Two’s Company, a compilation of her earlier releases. The album reached # 21 on the Living Blues chart even though Piper had yet to tour the US. Since then Piper has made up for lost time, performing in 45 American states and Canada. Piper has performed to packed houses at premier venues such as the House of Blues and BB King’s. Piper has earned critical acclaim from publications including Blues Revue and Blues Matters (UK).
(Tigard OR) – dougdeutschPR