“CDBaby.com Editor’s Pick: Anna Gilbert – This album is pure loveliness, both in production and musicality. From the ukulele-led rendition of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” to the acoustic guitar/electric-piano version of O Come All Ye Faithful, with it’s new chords. In fact, that’s one of the best parts of this album – the new & unique arrangements and chordal/melodic changes Gilbert brings to most of the songs. While the eight classic songs are all memorable takes on the traditional versions, the three originals here are nothing to sneeze at. She’s clearly a gifted songwriter, with a strong sense of melody, with subtle male harmony on “Rest in the Light”, with lyrics that tell the story of Christ’s life beyond just his birthday. With engaging strings and delicate banjo and piano accompaniment, this is a really remarkable song. The Norah Jones-y take on “Silent Night” is also very cool, though it seems silly to just single out a few of the many wonderful song”

“There’s no reason to get fancy about it: Eugene native Anna Gilbert has the voice of an angel. It’s gaspingly beautiful — girlish, vulnerable and sexy as Regina Spector, Gilbert is an accomplished but completely ingenuous and unadorned singer; not for her the jumpy vibrato, star-spangled trills or put-on drawls of many of her contemporaries. Gilbert’s vocals — whether soft-spoken, thick with emotion or cut short by a rasp — are delivered with a natural immediacy that dials a direct line to your heart.”

“Grrrlz Rock continues on tonight at the WOW Hall with perhaps the best line up of the whole series featuring female performers. Rejoice men, the gorgeous and talented Anna Gilbert will bless you with her sweet voice, lyrics and breathless sound. I first found Anna playing at a local church, of all things, dishing out salvation with rocking Christian ballads. However, do not pigeon hole this woman because her pop music is sublime. She sings “sometimes the truth is something you can’t see” encouraging lovers not to rush it and give each other “Room to Breathe”*, an original tune that shows off her exquisite voice. I’ve seen her play piano and sing and trust me, she makes it look easy. Anna plays at 9:15; don’t miss it.”

“Anyone paying attention to the Eugene music scene this past year is likely familiar with Anna Gilbert. The singer/songwriter was named the “Next Big Thing” for 2010 by EW readers, and over the past eight months or so has been playing a steady dose of shows throughout Oregon. To put it mildly, there’s a reason she won that title and you should check her out — it sure wasn’t an accident. Her live performance is nothing short of pure pop-rock goodness. Gilbert and her bandmates play to the crowd and engage you with tight, lively tunes. Her vocals will make you smile because you just can’t help yourself. A lot of Gilbert’s music is thoughtful and uplifting in a genuine way that catches your attention and holds it. Tracks like “Nobody Told You” are the sort of radio-ready pop-rock that TV shows and movie soundtracks gobble up like gravy, especially with their message of living fearlessly instead of being afraid of making mistakes or feeling pain.”

“Indie pop singer-songwriter Anna Gilbert's music glows with a rare and ennobling luminescence. The Portland, Oregon-based artist brings her lovely sounds to Mountain View's Red Rock Coffee Company on Friday, and to The Abbey in Santa Cruz on Sunday. The optimism in her songs reflects Gilbert's beliefs. "I am always consciously trying to point people in a direction of hope and love and not dwell on things that are dark and depressing," she said. She plays guitar and piano, has a gorgeous voice, and has grown more comfortable on stage. However, Gilbert, who was an English major at the University of Oregon, considers herself primarily a songwriter. "I'm not an entertainer as much as I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and songwriter. That's always been my main focus. Songwriting comes naturally to me. I'm a sponge, as far as what's going on around me and I try to put that into my songs."”