Heartfelt vocal music in unexpected places
"...the music is always fantastic" - The Guardian
Big Mama by Joanna Foster
A moment of change, a turning point
I was inspired by the rhythm of waves
Anima sing inspirational songs of enchantment and soul quests, a magical fusion of jazz and soul
Rowan lyrics by Darryl Jones, music by Joanna Foster
My friends Belinda and Darryl asked me to set this this poem to music for their daughter Rowan's naming ceremony. Darryl wrote this poem for Rowan when she was born, they had been told they would never have children and then Belinda became pregnant.
I feel his poem expresses their powerful, emotional journey with an amazing lightness and joy.
"...the depth and power of Foster's jazz inflected songs stand up to the competition...Her songs are witty and intelligent, and the music flows beautifully..." - Now Magazine,
Anima's work ranges from gigs and concerts to soundscapes in resonant spaces to promote wellbeing and spiritual connection
Anima’s recent credits include The George Tavern, Whitechapel; Love and Survival in a Time of Covid festival -The Old Church, Stoke Newington; The Tribal Earth Festival in East Sussex; the ‘Green Sunday’ event at The Arcola Theatre; ‘Dance of Desire’ show at The Quaker House with Butterfly Theatre Co.; ‘What the River Sings’ at Trinity Buoy Wharf with The Grand Union Orchestra; ‘Visions of 7’ show at Bridport Art Centre; ‘Ocean of Song’ at St John at Hackney Church.
“...sensitive, versatile contemporary singing with lots of joy, fire and feeling.” - Kindred Spirit Music Magazine
“...Anima’s singing had a profoundly positive impact on the staff and the patients they performed for. People felt happier, more relaxed, uplifted. Such performances contribute to staff and patient resilience. For patients especially, immersion in the performance and being enveloped by beautiful sounds provides welcome respite during which strength can be gathered to face the challenges ahead..." – St Joseph’s Hospice
Anima means ‘soul’ and ‘ breath of life’.
Following in the footsteps of Bobby McFerrin and Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Anima acapella quartet cover a wide musical terrain, from the exhilarating up beat energy of jazz, through rhythmic soul numbers, to haunting Irish folk.
“...originals by Joanna Foster are complex quilts in a Sweet Honey in the Rock tradition...A definite find for fans of female voices” - Ladyslipper Magazine USA
