Anne Dodson

The sister of singer/songwriter David Dodson, Anne Dodson has balanced her career as an adult-oriented singer/songwriter with performances and recordings for children at schools and libraries. Performing as a soloist and as a member of folk groups County Down and Different Shoes, Dodson has used music to share her love of the natural environment and wildlife. As a youngster, Dodson played folk songs with her brother. She didn't become serious about music, however, until she was in her twenties and became inspired by the folk singers she heard performing in local coffeehouses. In the late 1970s, Dodson replaced Pat Lown in County Down, remaining with the group for five years. Since County Down's reunion in 1991, she has continued to perform periodically with the group. Until recently, Dodson also performed and recorded with Different Shoes, playing cello in the five-piece band. In 1991, Dodson met Matt Szostak, a cittern, guitar and hurdy-gurdy player and harmony singer, while sailing in Maine's Penobscot Bay. In addition to sharing a home and traveling together, Dodson and Szostak have occassionally performed as a duo since 1992. Dodson's debut solo album, Tranquility Grange, was released in 1986. She followed it with In Its Own Sweet Time in 1990 and From Where I Sit in 1994. Her first album aimed at children and their families, Almost Grown, was released the following year. Dodson's albums have featured guest appearances by Gordon Bok, Lisa Redfern and Cindy Kallet. Several cuts on Almost Grown featured the choral singing of 42 fifth graders from the Asa Adams Elementary School in Orono, Maine. Dodson also performs with the Quasimodo Chorus, an informal group of professional and non-professional singers including Bok and Kallet. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide