Ana Popvic

She's inspired comparisons to Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Bonnie Raitt, but guitarist, singer, and songwriter Ana Popovic's blues come from a very different place than that impressive trio: Serbia. Born and raised in Belgrade, she endured the violent breakup of the former Yugoslavia while absorbing the record collection and musical passions of her guitarist/bassist father. Now seemingly poised to make a big impact on the blues scene, Popovic sounds more east Memphis than Eastern Europe. Thoroughly steeped in blues-rock, R&B, soul, and assorted other American roots, Popovic is a dazzling electric guitarist who can dash off lacerating licks as well as etch subtle, jazz-inflected phrases while singing with an assured, soulful voice. Her new Still Making History (Electro Groove) contains some perceptive political commentary, potent expressions of love and lust, and lots of good music, from swaggering blues to reggae and groove-oriented jazz.
Fri., Sept. 21, 9 p.m., 2007