Annalise and the Backsliders is:
Annalise Raziq. A professional actor and veteran of countless Chicago stage productions, Annalise combines her theatrical training with a spectacular singing voice and impressive musical skills. As the band’s leader and front person, she expertly oversees the creation of total fun at every event the band plays…and ensures a good time for all. Most recently, she has been a featured storyteller on NPR’s The Moth radio program and a winner of numerous storytelling events on Chicago stages.
Bob Huston. A near-legend on the Chicago scene, Bob has sung and played bass for many roots music groups over several decades, including the Sag Valley Boys, the Smokin’ Cattails, Nobody Nobody Sent, the Dimestore Bluegrass Band, the Noshers and many others. His skills as a witty and incisive songwriter bring an extra dimension of originality to the Annalise and the Backsliders repertoire. He is also well-known and appreciated as the organizer and leader of Chicago’s stellar Independence Park Bluegrass Jam Band.
Tim Schneckloth. As the band’s guitarist, Tim brings solid rhythm and jaw-dropping solos to the musical mix. While working as an editor at jazz magazine Down Beat in the 1970’s, he served as guitarist and lead vocalist for the semi-legendary Chicago rockabilly group the Tirebiters. He has also performed for many years as his alter ego Spud Puckett. As a vocalist in Annalise and the Backsliders, he brings an eclectic songbag to the band and a distinctive sound to the group’s tight three-part harmonies.
Pete Jannotta. A nimble-fingered fiddler and sometime vocalist, Pete has been one of the busiest instrumentalists on the Chicago scene for well over a decade. His stylistic skills range from toe-tapping gypsy jazz swing to red-hot versions of bluegrass and old-time fiddle tunes. No matter what the event, Pete injects the room with fun and energy every time he steps up to the microphone. By day, Pete is one of the leading colorists in Chicago’s video/film production industry.
