Hidden Gems of Ana Popovic’s Career You Probably Didn’t Know About

Ana Popović, the Serbian blues and jazz guitarist and singer, has carved a significant name in the world of music. While many fans are familiar with her hit albums and electrifying performances, there are lesser-known facets of her career worth exploring. Here are  hidden gems of Ana Popović’s career that you might not know about:

Early European Acclaim

While Ana Popović is internationally recognized, her journey began in Serbia. Her band, Hush, gained significant attention in Europe during the late 1990s. Winning a blues competition in Hungary led to her first recording, Hometown, setting the stage for her solo career.

 Connection with Legendary Artists

Ana has shared the stage with numerous blues legends, including Buddy Guy and B.B. King. However, one unique moment came when she performed alongside Joe Bonamassa at a special event, where their electrifying guitar duel wowed fans and peers alike.

 Grammy-Considered Albums

Her album Trilogy (2016), a three-disc project blending funk, jazz, and blues, showcased her genre-blending skills. Though it didn’t win, it earned consideration in Grammy discussions and cemented her reputation as an innovative musician.

 Representing Europe in the Blues World

Ana is one of the few European blues artists to achieve global recognition, performing at iconic venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Newport Jazz Festival. Her presence in these traditionally American-dominated spaces is a testament to her influence.

 Advocacy for Women in Blues

Popović is a vocal advocate for female musicians in the male-dominated blues world. Her involvement in Experience Hendrix tours brought attention to women excelling in guitar performance, inspiring a new generation of female blues players.

 Overcoming Personal Challenges

In 2020, Ana revealed that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her ability to continue performing, composing, and touring during treatment highlighted her resilience and dedication to her craft.

 Cross-Cultural Collaborations

Ana’s collaborations extend beyond the blues. Her work with musicians from Africa and Latin America infused her music with unique rhythms and cultural elements, broadening her appeal and showcasing her versatility.

Early Jazz and Classical Influences

Before her rise as a blues guitarist, Ana was deeply influenced by jazz and classical music through her father, a devoted music collector. Her early exposure to artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane shaped her melodic approach and improvisational style, elements she seamlessly blends into her blues repertoire.

 Guitar Techniques and Innovations

Ana is known for her unique approach to slide guitar. She often experiments with open tunings and intricate fingerpicking, adding layers of complexity to her sound. Her style incorporates both traditional Delta blues slide techniques and modern rock influences, setting her apart from other blues musicians.

 Academic Pursuits in Music

While many know her for her performances, Ana also studied jazz guitar at the prestigious Conservatory of Music in Arnhem, Netherlands. This formal education helped refine her technical skills and broaden her musical vocabulary, allowing her to tackle diverse genres confidently.

 Iconic Album Collaborations

Her 2013 album Can You Stand the Heat was a standout not just for its music but for its production. Recorded in Memphis, the album featured contributions from renowned musicians such as Tony Coleman (longtime drummer for B.B. King). The blend of raw Memphis soul and Ana’s fiery guitar playing earned critical acclaim.

 Trailblazing in Non-Traditional Markets

Ana has actively performed in markets where blues isn’t traditionally mainstream, such as Eastern Europe, South America, and Asia. Her ability to adapt her performances to resonate with culturally diverse audiences has played a significant role in expanding the global reach of blues music.

 A Passion for Visual Arts

Ana has a lesser-known passion for visual arts. She is involved in the conceptual design of her album covers and stage visuals, often collaborating closely with artists and photographers to ensure her music and visual presentations align.

 Recognition in Guitar World

Ana was featured in Guitar World’s “Top 10 Female Guitarists to Watch” early in her career—a significant nod in a traditionally male-dominated publication. This recognition boosted her visibility among rock and blues audiences alike.

 Collaboration with Film and TV

Ana’s music has made its way into films and television. Tracks from her albums have been used in independent films and documentaries, subtly spreading her artistry to broader audiences.

 Breaking Records at Festivals

At the North Sea Jazz Festival, Ana became one of the few artists to headline the blues stage three times, a rare feat that underscores her lasting impact and popularity in jazz and blues circuits.

 Mentor and Role Model

Ana actively mentors young musicians, particularly women, through workshops and masterclasses. She’s a frequent guest at music schools and festivals, where she shares her journey and inspires aspiring guitarists to break boundaries.

Ana Popović’s personal projects reveal her creative depth and passion for pushing musical boundaries. Here’s a dive into some of these endeavors:

 The Trilogy Project (2016)

Ana’s most ambitious personal project to date, Trilogy, is a three-album collection that spans blues, jazz, and funk. The project was born out of her desire to explore multiple genres and showcase her versatility. Each album in the trilogy represents a different mood and style:

• Morning focuses on jazz and swing influences.
• Midday is all about funk and groove.
• Midnight dives into raw blues and soul.

This sprawling effort involved collaborations with 20 musicians, including Bernard Purdie (drummer for Aretha Franklin) and Delfeayo Marsalis (jazz trombonist and producer). It’s a testament to Ana’s ability to merge her technical prowess with creative vision.

 Dedication to Live Albums

Ana loves the energy of live performance, which she often captures in her recordings. Albums like Ana! Live in Amsterdam (2005) and Live for Live (2020) were personal projects aimed at replicating the raw, electric feel of her concerts. These albums are particularly special to her because they represent her connection with her audience.

 Music and Social Causes

Ana has used her platform to advocate for social issues, particularly through music. Her participation in charity concerts like the Playing for Change Foundation events reflects her commitment to causes like education and cultural preservation. These personal initiatives highlight her belief in music as a force for good.

 Home Studio Innovations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ana took to her home studio to experiment with new sounds and ideas. This period saw her exploring stripped-down, acoustic arrangements and diving deeper into songwriting. While these recordings have yet to form an album, they offer a glimpse into her evolving artistry.

 The Blind for Love Album (2009)

Ana’s album Blind for Love is particularly personal. It includes songs inspired by her own life experiences, such as “Part of Me (Lullaby for Luuk),” written for her son. This album marked a turning point where she began weaving more of her personal story into her music.

 Touring with Family

Ana’s commitment to family has led to unique personal projects, including touring with her children. She often takes her kids on the road, involving them in the creative and logistical aspects of her career. It’s a rare approach that blends motherhood and artistry.

 Guitar Clinics and Workshops

Ana regularly hosts guitar clinics and workshops worldwide, sharing her techniques and experiences. These events are personal to her as they allow her to connect directly with aspiring musicians and inspire them to embrace their unique musical voices.

 Cross-Cultural Jam Sessions

Ana enjoys creating impromptu jam sessions with musicians from various cultural backgrounds. Whether collaborating with African drummers or South American jazz artists, these sessions often influence her music and result in unreleased recordings or ideas for future projects.

 Fashion Meets Music

Ana is also known for her distinct stage style. She collaborates with designers to create custom outfits for her performances, blending fashion and music into a cohesive artistic expression. This personal touch adds another layer to her onstage persona.

 Independent Label Work

Ana has taken significant control over her music by releasing several of her albums independently. This allows her the creative freedom to experiment without commercial pressures, a decision that reflects her dedication to authenticity.