Ann Sweeten
Steinway Artist

Fifteen-Time Music Awards Nominee, ASCAP Popular Awards Recipient 2002−2014, 2016, 2018−2024

Nearing three decades of enamoring audiences on the Concert stage and on Radio/Internet Airwaves, Ann Sweeten’s signature style is recognized world-wide. Often placed in the New Age genre, her style is decidedly unique, embracing not only the classical realm, but aspects of jazz, film scoring, and popular music. Sweeten’s music has aired and been reviewed across the world to wide critical acclaim and these are just some of the accolades awarded to her:

“A pianist whose abilities are unrivaled”;”musical genius”;” beauty incarnate”;” inimitable”;”reminiscent of something written by the great impressionists, out of the ordinary..”; “one of the most instantly recognizable ‘voices’ in contemporary instrumental music”; “musical Narnia”; “exquisite music performed by a consummate musician”; “the touch of a master”; “a true maestro at work”;”outstanding technique”;” her astute control of nuance and tempo will beguile you”; “astounding ability to paint a vivid picture”;”the music bears hints of the musical masters’ phrasing in the music. I hear notes of Barber, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Brahms”; “You can’t call this music ‘Jazz’, nor can you pigeonhole it as ‘New Age’… because it’s purely/simply ‘Ann’ .”; “..I could feel a Higher Power within each song. It is hypnotically intoxicating. Sweeten is a gifted and anointed spirit to be sure.”.

Whatever words you may use to describe this artist, her music is always timeless, elegant and classic, always, Ann Sweeten.

Ann Sweeten’s newest release “Still” is yet another of Sweeten’s breathtaking “chapters” of her artistic and personal life.  Sweeping orchestral accompaniment both majestic and lofty combined with Sweeten’s effortless classical technique creates an overall melodic euphoria – bold, passionate and uplifting are the feelings you hear within.  The cycle of seasons, hence the cycle of Life, is apparent in the titles themselves and this cycle, will still be, always and forever, the same.  “Still” is multi-dimensional in meaning and Sweeten mentions that despite all her Health struggles, she is still here, both as a person and an artist. The album title refers to all that happens in the still, such as being able to listen to that which comes from the heart with no noise or distraction, to hear and feel all the beauty of Nature and her sounds.  As well, the quiet understanding between soulmates who have been together for years-not a word need be said.

Guest Performances include Charlie Bisharat (Violin), Eugene Friesen (Cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn), Premik Russell-Tubbs (Soprano Saxophone, Alto Flute) and Richard Sebring (French Horn).

STILL

Still the echoes in my head
Of Memories sweet and words long said
Still the droplets of morning dew
As the sun lifts and spreads its hues

Still the River’s vista, far and wide
As my heart flows full beside.
Still the wooded glen and meadow fair
With birdsong drifting through the air 

Still, my sleeping little ones
Snuffling soft, so halcyon

Still my love will beckon me
To walk the path of life’s uncertainty
For we are forged in love as one
And will not break nor be undone. 

Still as I do carry on
With this life of some phenomenon
Love will always hold my hand
Together we will make our stand
As time and life make their demands
Forever onward across the sand.

A.S.

One of the most decorated pianists in past decades with albums consistently ranking in the Top 5 NAR and ZMR Radio Charts, she is also one of the most played modern instrumentalists in North America. Discography includes 17 Albums (1 DVD) and 6 compilations, one of which is The Gathering IV produced by Will Ackerman at Imaginary Road Studios. The Gathering, first in the series, was Album of the Year in 2012. Sweeten blends stylish, sophisticated, technical composition in well-rooted classical themes with originality and passion, resulting in performances that pack an emotional wallop. A truly well-rounded individual and artist, Ms. Sweeten is a staunch environmentalist, animal activist and vegetarian. In addition to her Concert and Recording career, she is also a professional actress/singer/dancer with Actor’s Equity Association. Ann Sweeten is herself a Breast Cancer Survivor twice over, is a featured C.A.R.E. Artist with Healing Health Care Systems and is in her Sixth year battling Leukemia. The C.A.R.E. Channel is the premier nature video and music relaxation programming for patients that is found in over 900 hospital and healthcare facilities in the U.S. and abroad.