Jackson, Miss. native, Anne Davis' new self-produced album, Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries, a compilation of thought-provoking upbeat tempos and ballads from the "folk-alternative" artist, has been turning ears as it has traveled throughout the U.S. and beyond by receiving quite favorable college radio airplay. Davis wrote all fifteen tracks, and the "organic feel" of the melodies is attributed to the defining instruments you'll find on the album.

"What I really wanted to go for was to put together a project using only real instruments....and that meant no compromise with using any type of fabricated sounds, including drum machines." And, that's exactly what you're going to hear--such instruments as the cello, violin, upright acoustic bass, mandolin, accordion, penny whistle and the uilleann pipe on the CD. "I wanted everything to be real....for me, as an artist, it only made sense for the production of the project to be as soul-baring as the lyrics."

Sharing a bit of background, Davis matter-of-factly will tell you, "I perform, sing, and write simply because that's what I do. I've been writing and singing since I was a little girl, giving concerts for my Siamese cat, Feather, and our Greyhound, Zip, in the backyard with my tennis racket guitar. It just seemed the thing to do. Years later, I'm still finding myself writing and scribbling down song lyrics on napkins or backs of envelopes--and this time, playing to larger audiences beyond an attentive cat and dog. Apparently, it's just a part of who I am and why I'm here."

Although Davis' singing began at an early age around the house and in church, she really began pursuing music seriously while attending college. During a weekend retreat her sophomore year at Mississippi State University, Anne bit the bullet and performed a song she had written. "Nervously, with hands shaking, heart pounding, I got up and shared for the first time one of my own songs and the response was completely mind-blowing. Somehow, I've had gigs ever since."

Anne's passion for music bleeds over into camaraderie with fellow musicians, which has taken her overseas to perform in music festivals in Hungary. She says she looks forward to more opportunities in the future to play in Eastern Europe again, and believes in due time she'll find herself playing venues in Western Europe, as well. Surprisingly, close to half of her cd sales have specifically come from Western Europe, which appears to be a direct result from exposure received through online music sites.

After college, Anne moved to Nashville to plug into the artists/music community. Thus, the impetus for Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries was born. After spending several years in the studio persevering through many obstacles, including a debilitating illness known as CFIDS as well as chronic Lyme Disease, she has finally emerged with the finished product of her debut CD release.

Since most of the songs on the CD originated from her own personal journal entries, the lyrics are relatable and reflect Anne's penchant for translating complex emotions and thoughts to the everyday listener. It's her sense of melody and raw, textured vocals combined with her quirky, down-to-earth persona that make Anne so believable and endearing to an audience.

This singer/songwriter, also pegged as a "poet," says sometimes she goes barefoot when she plays out because it seems symbolically fitting for her to. "At times, it can feel almost too vulnerable, but then again, I'm reminded--isn't that what we're all in desperate search of--something that's universally revealing, honest and even a bit messy. Being transparent and real has a way of ushering in contemplation about life that we can all identify with and say 'me, too!....I, too have felt this way before, and what a relief to know I'm not the only one who has.' I believe we are all waiting on someone to play our song....wherever we may find ourselves in life at the time."

Anne performs in coffeehouses, college bars, pubs, festivals, and benefit concerts. Eventually, she intends to take it to the road more often, as her health improves and her body becomes more "roadworthy." Currently, Letters, Prayers, and Journal Entries is now available online at www.cdbaby.com/cd/annedavis and can be downloaded at most any digital distributor. For more information, visit Anne’s website at www.annedavismusic.com and for correspondence, e-mails may be sent to vannedavis@yahoo.com.