Artists:Anne Heaton

Anne Heaton’s lyrics and melodies are complemented with uncluttered arrangements full of subtle counter rhythms and rich harmonies that give every tune its own unique soul. The intertwined lines played by Heaton’s piano and Marotta’s guitar coupled with a relaxed backbeat make “Your Heart,” reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, a perfect pop expression of true love and gentle passion. “Underdog,” explores the fear of success and the dangers of identifying with a role one has outgrown. The title track is an ambivalent love song that questions the wisdom of closeness while “Maybe It’s Peace” is a modern day spiritual, a subtle, yet powerful expression of hope. “Give In” also includes two tracks recorded live “Hey New York” and “Perfectly Lovely.” “Hey New York” with its tongue twisting avalanche of wry wit showcases Heaton’s exuberant sense of humor and on stage charisma.

Starting with lessons at age three, Heaton was a studied classical pianist. She listened to everything from Dexy’s Midnight Runners to Joni Mitchell to the Rolling Stones to the Fine Young Cannibals. While studying Philosophy & Theology at Notre Dame, she sang in a rock band. After graduation, she ran a music program for teenagers in Chicago’s Cabrini Green Housing Projects. A few years later Heaton moved from Chicago to New York and joined a Gospel Choir in Harlem. This was the point when Anne started writing songs. “Hearing Peter Gabriel’s ‘Us’ for the first time, made me realize how powerful it could be to relate your psychological and spiritual experiences in a way that was musically beautiful and resonant. I felt like Peter Gabriel was expressing my inner world or what I wished the world were like. I thought that if I could ever touch someone else in the way that he had reached me, I would be very happy.”

Heaton’s choir director John Motley introduced her to jazz drummer, Max Roach, who hired Anne to tour with him in Europe. Along with Motley and a small group of singers, Heaton performed jazz standards, old spirituals, and original Max Roach compositions. “I was absorbing as much music as I could back then. I was also playing in a Latin Band, which is where I met Frank Marotta, Jr.”

Heaton and Marotta have been playing together for five years. They’ve criss-crossed the country as well as supported folks like Jewel, Dan Bern, Melissa Ferrick & Jonatha Brooke. They put on an energetic show combining Heaton’s compelling lead vocals, brash humor and understated keyboard style with Marotta's aggressive acoustic guitar rhythms, exceptional electric guitar lines and backing vocals. On “Give In” they’ve taken their musical partnership to a new level. “Give In” is both quiet and powerful, a document of two creative souls at the height of their power. “Give In” will be released by Q Division Records in late spring 2005..