Vancouver-born singer-songwriter Ann Vriend gifts us with her first independently released studio album, Love & Other Messes. A wonderful collection of R&B, bluegrass and Motown music, Vriend brings us into her deeply musical world. Everybody Sings in Nashville is a throwback to the 1970s and her voice is a reminder of the stars of a historical time. Graffiti on My Heart is a fun carnival tune, singing about the game of love. With a heart-wrenching, reflective ballad in Tin Man, Ann brings depth with her voice and her musical diversity in her glowing arrangements. Then there’s Excuses 1-8 - everyone can relate with this honest tune, which just pulled on my heartstrings. There is also a duet with Matt Epp, If You Were Here, and it is a lyrical masterpiece. Vriend has an unbelievable voice and her ability to bring out the raw and soul-tapping emotions to our ears is an incredible talent.

Published in Volume 66, Number 19 of The Uniter (February 8, 2012)