9/30/07

More tour footage on youtube! This is Magic Man from the Boston show on 9/28

9/29/07

Here is a concert review that another Heart Monger sent me!

Being a devoted Heart fan, and concert goer, for the better part of 25yrs., even I wasn't

prepared for the stand-out show in Boston last night. Before the show, we mingled with

dozens of fans outside the tent; who all had their own "Heart" stories--you could feel the

anticipation in the air. The show opened with the powerful "Mistral Wind", followed by the

crowd favorite "Magic Man". Ann, then addressed the crowd, telling us they had a great

variety of songs to play for us. Indeed! Just a few of the highlights included "Little Queen",

"Alone","You wreck Me"w/ Nancy on lead vocal., "White Lightning & Wine","Love Alive",

and, an impassioned "Isolation", from Hope&Glory. Then there was the Who's "Love Reign

O'er me", which had the crowd in a near frenzy. Ann's vocals on this literally left you

breathless. A pounding "Barracuda followed. The band was outstanding and tight,and

with the two huge video screens on either side of the stage, we all got the front row

experience. Throughout the show, as we've come to expect, Ann's voice was as power-

ful and passionate as it's ever been. What was so apparent to me, was that everyone

on that stage, was having as great of a time, as was the audience. Ann and the band

thanked us for coming out to the show; the pleasure was ours.

Thanks Pam!

Heart's Ann Wilson gets a little help from friends (and her sister)

By Sarah Rodman, Globe Staff
September 28, 2007

Ann Wilson has had an implied ampersand following her first name for so long that it feels strange to type it out by itself.

So it comes as no surprise that when the elder Wilson sister finally decided to record a solo album, her younger sibling tagged along.

‘‘She is perhaps my favorite acoustic guitar player in the world, and she’s right there and she’s willing and able,’’ says Ann Wilson on the phone from the Reno stop on Heart’s latest tour, which comes to the Bank of America Pavilion tonight. ‘‘I think it’s a plus.’’

Besides, even if ‘‘Hope & Glory’’ is technically the 57-year-old singer-songwriter’s first solo album, Wilson is hardly going it alone on this eclectic and energized collection of 11 covers and one new original.

In addition to her sister, who contributes harmonies to Pink Floyd’s ‘‘Goodbye Blue Sky’’ and guitar and vocals to the Youngbloods’ ‘‘Darkness, Darkness,’’ Wilson is joined by a long and impressively disparate list of duet partners. Sir Elton John, Alison Krauss, Wynonna Judd, k.d. lang, Rufus Wainwright, Gretchen Wilson, Shawn Colvin, and Deana Carter all step up to try and hold their own with the woman who put her voice and her back into indelible rock landmarks like ‘‘Crazy on You,’’ ‘‘Barracuda,’’ and ‘‘Magic Man.’’

‘‘And there could have been a lot more; it was just turning into this ridiculous party,’’ says producer Ben Mink with a laugh of the star-studded waiting room of musicians who wanted to work with Wilson. ‘‘It’s a real tribute to the scope of her influence to get people like Rufus Wainwright and Alison Krauss. Alison was so excited, I mean, honestly. She left a phone message after she did the track, and she was more animated and wowed than I’ve ever heard her on record.’’

Judd, who calls Wilson one of her ‘‘sheroes,’’ echoed that excitement in a statement released by her publicist, saying, ‘‘Being in the studio with her has always been a dream of mine. She is a singer’s singer, and I can now check it off my life list.’’

Read the full review here.

Syracuse Verona Review

Fine Heart-warming tunes
Familiar songs make for happy reunion at Turning Stone

Friday, September 28, 2007
By Mark Bialczak
Staff writer

Ann Wilson looked around at the smiling faces standing in front of their seats Thursday night at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino Event Center, and noted that it looked like many of them have been riding on the Heart train since the start: those days in 1976 when she and sister Nancy came from Seattle with a whole bunch of rock 'n' roll power.

Or at least since the mid-'80s and that second surge of hits, including two No. 1 songs.

"It's good to see so many familiar faces," Ann told the crowd.

They could have collectively called back: "It's good to hear so many familiar songs."

The Wilson sisters delivered that powerful blanket of sound that placed them in the higher reaches of the rock pantheon.The stage set was simple, notable for what it didn't have. No video screens. No big, fancy backdrop. No smoke. No curtains.Heart didn't need physical sizzle because it had that emotional blast of music.

Ann's voice wrapped around the crowd like a strong pair of arms. She can still sing and shout with the best of them. Nancy's guitar and harmony vocals fanned the flames. She can still lay down an acoustic guitar line that paves the road for her sister's bigger-than-life voice and lead guitarist Craig Bartok's electric riffs.

With the dazzle of "Magic Man," sneaky funk lines of "Little Queen" and fiery harmony of "Straight On," it was obvious that with a band of Bartok, keyboardist Debbie Shair, bassist Ric Markmann and drummer Ben Smith, they can still move fans today with the hits of the '70s.

Later on, the band kept folks on their feet with "These Dreams," "Alone," "Barracuda" and, of course, that song that first got these sisters to the ears of America: "Crazy on You."

On "Alone," it was just Ann and her voice, Nancy and her acoustic guitar and Shair and her keyboards.

Ann showed why she never hesitates signing over permission to whatever group of "American Idols" want to cover the hit on the Fox TV show. Exactly 20 years after she made it the band's second No. 1 (following up "These Dreams"), Ann Wilson makes the song sound intimate, alluring and as charged as a lightning storm. Take that, Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks.

Nancy took her turn at lead vocals, too. On Tom Petty's "Wreck Me," she showed that hers is still a sturdy rock voice. Better yet was her wonderful, bluesy harmonica riffs on "White Lightning and Wine."

Ann spotlighted a two-pack from her just-out solo album, her first: "Hope & Glory." Unfortunately, when she told the crowd the songs were coming, many took the cue to go to the concession stands or restrooms. Too bad. Her version of Neil Young's "War of Man" redlined the hip meter, and her mix of angst and power on John Lennon's stark "Isolation" might have been even cooler.

But the best cover of the night by far was the full-bore version of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me." She laughed when one fan twirled a black umbrella in the middle of the crowd, signaling one of most misheard lyrics ever. No, it's not "rain on me."

They tried to top that with a one-two punch of Led Zeppelin for the encore. But "Immigrant Song" (also on "Hope & Glory") and "Black Dog" couldn't quite reach the majesty of that Who cover.
link

Turning Stone Video!

Footage from the Turning Stone concert in Verona, NY has been posted on youtube. Immigrant Song is also up! The audio and video is not the best, but it is youtube after all.
Immigrant Song

Love Reign O'er Me

Black Dog

Verona Review

9/28/07

I just got home from seeing Heart at the Turningstone Casino in Verona, NY. I had seen them last year at the same venue for the first time and I was blown away. This time around Heart rocked even harder, if that is possible.

Heart opened with Mistral Wind, and it started out with this sound of wind and the sea, something along those lines. Then the spotlight shines down and there is Nancy Wilson with just her and her acoustic guitar. As the acousitc part of the song progressed, out from the shadows came Ann Wilson. Her long, black, and curly hair was down to her shoulders, and she had this long black coat/cape thing on. She looked so mysterious. Needless to say Ann totally rocked the vocals and her voice just echoed throughout the entire Event Center. I did not write down the set list, but here are most of the songs ( not in order ).

Mistral Wind
Little Queen
White Lightening & Wine
Magic Man
Love Alive
You Wreck Me
These Dreams
Alone
Straight On
War of Man
Isolation
Reign O'er Me
Barracuda
Crazy on You
Immigrant Song
Black Dog
Dreamboat Annie

Half way through the set, Ann mentioned her solo album. She said she wanted to do a song by an "amazing songwriter," and I thought it would be Isolation by John Lennon....well what did we get?? War of Man by Neil Young! My jaw dropped in suspense, because this song hadn't been played on this tour yet (that I am aware of), and I am a huge Neil Young fan. What a treat to hear this song live, my favorite track on Hope & Glory. Ann also did Isolation, and Immigrant Song. Immigrant Song had a more rockier/darker sound than the album version, which I actually like better. Ann just looked so good and her voice just sliced through the air. Nancy was so beautiful and she played the acoustic guitar, mandolin, and a great bluesy harmonica on White Lightening & Wine.

During the last encore, I stepped out to go get postcards to hand out after the show. By the looks of it, Magic Man and Motley Sue were so busy and there was a crowd around the table, so I didn't get a chance to introduce myself. I did meet a few friendly mongers, and I got my hands on a stack of postcards to hand out. I had to grab a 2nd stack because the people were just grabbing them up! The lady who sat next to me, came up and asked if she can get Ann's CD here, and I politely said yes, right over at the merchandise booth. She said she loved the Led Zeppelin covers. I told her the CD is amazing and she would really enjoy it.

Heart Tonight at Turningstone!

9/27/07

I will be seeing Heart at the Turningstone Casino in Verona, NY in just a few hours! A full report will be posted when I get back! :)

Winnipeg Sun

9/22/07

A small blurb about the upcoming Canada shows.

HEART ATTACK

Classic rock fans are gonna go crazy on you, when they learn Heart -- the seminal '70s outfit fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson -- have also been booked to play MTS Centre next month. Though the Wilsons are the only members remaining from the band's original lineup (responsible for such rock-radio staples as Barracuda, Magic Man, Crazy on You and Alone), they're nonetheless touring in support of Hope and Glory, Ann's new disc of VIP duets. They're set to play Winnipeg on October 24th.
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Dreamboat Annie DVD

You can now watch videos from the upcoming Dreamboat Annie Live DVD. Go to Shoutfactory for more information and the videos!

Private Sessions

9/20/07

This is a small update in the A&E show.

Heart will be taping a show for A&E called Private Sessions.

For more info on the show and to submit a question for Heart go here.
Heart will be filming in the next 3 weeks. you may submit questions to the link.

The air date is October 3rd. Avril Lavigne,The Goo Goo Dolls and Toby Keith have also appeared on this show.

Casino Regina

And yet another Canadian tour date!

Heart will be playing the Casino Regina in Regina, SK Canada on Thursday. October 25th at 8:00 p.m.

Heart: In the Studio

9/19/07

HEART BOOK PICKED UP WORLDWIDE:
Press Release / Toronto-based Publishing House ECW Press has acquired world-wide rights to Heart: In the Studio, written by biographer Jake Brown, authorized by Heart, and featuring exclusive interviews with Ann and Nancy Wilson, as well as producers (Ron Nevison, Mike Flicker, Ritchie Zito, Keith Olsen, Duane Baron), and band members (Howard Leese), focusing on the writing and recording of the band's multi-platinum catalog of hit albums/singles, including 'All I Wanna Do (Is Make Love to You)', 'These Dreams,' 'Crazy on You,' 'Magic Man,' 'Alone,' 'Who You Gonna Run To,' 'Barracuda,' 'Stranded,' and a host of other fan favorites. Publisher Weekly has recognized ECW Press as one of the fastest growing and most diversified independent publishers in North America, with almost 1000 titles in publication, including biographies on or directly by names like Rush, K.D. Lang, Angelina Jolie, Tom Waits, Judas Priest, Leonard Cohen, Mariah Carey, Melissa Ethridge, Radiohead, Randy Newman, Shania Twain, and a ton of wrestlers. 'Heart: In the Studio' is due for publication in the late summer of 2008.

link

In the Studio with Redbeard

Ann Wilson will be appearing on "In The Studio with Redbeard"

Off the Record with George Benson

Sunday (September 23rd) OFF THE RECORD with Joe Benson will feature Joe's brand new conversation with Ann Wilson as well as music from her new solo album and her band Heart.

New Tour Dates

From the Heart management, two tour dates in Canada added.

MTS Centre, Winnipeg, MB
Wed, Oct 24, 2007 07:30 PM

Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, Calgary, AB
Sun, Oct 28, 2007 07:30 PM

Heart on A&E

9/18/07

Heart will be taping a show for A&E called Private Sessions. Check out the website here

Taped in a small, intimate studio in New York City, the series will showcase exclusive performances and conversations with top names in entertainment with a focus on contemporary music ranging from rock ‘n’ roll to pop to country. Each Sunday morning PRIVATE SESSIONS will explore the body of work of a single artist or group and feature current releases as well as career-building, influential or defining projects.

KZOK Photos

9/16/07

KZOK Seattle has put up some photos of Ann Wilson's visit to their studio! Check them out here.

Heart to play Calgary

9/15/07

Heart will be performing at The Union in Calgary, Canada on October 28

Dreamboat Annie Live on Amazon.com

9/13/07

You can now listen to sound samples of Dreamboat Annie Live on Amazon.com!

Led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, Heart broke down barriers and redefined what it meant to be a rock star. Now, on the first release in the new Legendary Albums Live series, they revisit their very first triumph, live on stage, in front of an ecstatic audience. Thrill as they play their legendary debut album Dreamboat Annie live for the first time ever. The band tears into their hits "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man" and covers classics by Led Zeppelin, The Who and Pink Floyd, all of which inspired them as they were writing and recording Dreamboat Annie.

Rockline

Here is the Rockline interview.

Part 1
Part 2

Seattle Radio Interview

9/12/07

In case you might have missed the show, here it is.

Part 1
(this is part 1 from the Seattle Radio Interview KZOK, not Rockline)

Part 2 (Seattle Interview KZOK)

Dreamboat Annie Live! Pre-order

Dreamboat Annie Live is now available for pre-order through Amazon.com. Release date is October 23rd! Here is the album art. Thanks to artemisgordon from the Heart Board!

Ann on KZOK Seattle

Ann Wilson will be live with Steve Slaton 9/12/07 4pm. Tune in to 102.5 KZOK, or listen online.

Ann will also be on Rockline tonight, for a list of radio stations that will be streaming the show online check out the listings here.

Sail Away Bonus Track

There is a bonus track that is available only through Rhapsody online. It's "Sail Away" and was originally done by Randy Newman.

You can listen to the entire track here.

Thanks guitarmaven from the Heart Message Boards for the heads up!

Rounder Podcasting

Rounder is getting into podcasting.
(view rounder site here)

The label will be launching podcasts the first Friday of every month.
The will feature tracks from upcoming releases, interviews with Rounder folks, and artist interviews exclusive to Rounder’s podcast.The lineup for Rounder’s inaugural podcast includes:

Ann Wilson, “Immigrant Song,” from Hope & Glory;
Minnie Driver, “Sorry Baby,” from Seastories;
Shivaree, “Half On A Baby,” from Tainted Love: Mating Calls& Fight Songs;
Linda Thompson, “Versatile Heart,” from Versatile Heart;
Jimmy Sturr, “Come Share The Wine,” from Come Share the Wine;
Riders In The Sky, “South Of The Border,” from Public Cowboy # 1;
Charlie Sizemore, “No Blues is Good News, from Good News;
Ernest Wilson, “Undying Love,” from When Rhythm Was King;
Juan Luna Huamani, “Danza,” from Carried By The Current: Music Of The Peruvian Amazon;
Morgan MacQuarrie, “Aristotle’s Confession,” “Humours of Glendart,” “Murphy’s Weather Eye,” from Over The Cabot Trail;

To listen & subscribe, point your favorite “podcatcher” software at this link:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/rounder
Or, listen & subscribe via iTunes: Click here to launch the podcast in iTunes
link

About.com Review

From Dave White's Classic Rock Blog on About.com

No matter how objective I try to be, I recognize that we're all biased in one way or another. Proper journalistic etiquette dictates that I identify my bias so you have the complete context for what you're reading.

I admit it. I've been an Ann Wilson fan for ... well, about as long as Ann Wilson has been performing publicly. I'm a sucker for rock singers who play flute, especially when they are this talented.

I would like to think that my bias actually helps me see more clearly the few blemishes in Wilson's just-released solo album, Hope & Glory, rather than masking them.

My considered (albeit biased) judgment is that even if you don't give give a hoot about Heart or have never paid attention to Ann Wilson, you should avail yourself of the opportunity offered by listening to Hope & Glory.
link

Rocky Mountain Interview

7 Questions For Ann Wilson of Heart

By Mark Brown, Rocky Mountain News
September 12, 2007

Heart's Ann Wilson took decades to make her first solo album and was careful to sculpt it just right. Hope and Glory is a series of war-themed cover songs, ranging from Led Zeppelin to Bob Dylan, all of which complement the one original composition, Little Problems Little Lies.

Wilson spoke to Rocky pop music writer Mark Brown recently in a phone call from backstage at a Heart concert in California about the album and its Sept. 11 release date.

1 The arrangements on Immigrant Song and others are very different from the originals. Was that the plan from the start?

"Yeah, the whole purpose of working with (k.d. lang producer) Ben Mink is to use his brilliance as an arranger and change them around a little bit. He has great ideas. He's just a great player. His main instrument is the fiddle, and he's a great guitarist, too. He records everything he possibly can and starts taking it away. It's an interesting way of doing things that I've never seen before."

2 You've got well-known songs and fairly obscure ones here. What were the criteria?

"I had to get into its conscience. They had to have incredible lyrics that I have a special love for. They make a statement together."

3 I like the version of Dylan's A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall - it has so much great imagery in every line. Where did you first hear it?

"I remember hearing it on the radio when it first came out and being blown away by it then, when I was a teenager. When I went back to study the work when I recorded it, I went online and Googled the first line. There were all these people who just made it their business to really just ruminate about every line and discuss what each line means. As you say, it's all just packed."

4 Were there other songs that didn't make the cut?

"We were going to do We Gotta Get Out of This Place as a duet with Tom Jones as a kitschy, fun thing. (But) we thought, 'Let's not fool around with that weird thinking. We have these songs, let's do them justice.' They just kept on building."

5 The track selection seems to send a message. Immigrant Song is about invading another country. War of Man, Hard Rain, Bad Moon Rising - were the selections based on an antiwar viewpoint?

"That's absolutely right on. I was trying to think of songs from other points in history, especially Hard Rain and War of Man. It's going on again - here we are on this dangerous cycle. I thought they'd go well together and speak all at once."

6 In Little Problems, Little Lies you write an antiwar song through the eyes of a dying soldier. How did that come about?

"It took me a long time to figure out what voice to put it in. There were all kinds of voices. Then I said, 'Why not just have it be a man or woman just lying there, thinking their last thoughts?' They realize they've been lied to. It's not a little problem, little lies; it's a big problem, big lies."

7 Did you purposely pick Sept. 11 as a release date?

"I didn't think it was a bad day to release it. It would be nice to apply some poetry to that day, to underscore what happened with something else. Not to forget it or try to use it any kind of way other than it's just an important day. It's meaningful for me to have it come out that day. It's respectful to those people."

Brownm@RockyMountainNews.com

link

Symphony Guild Benefit

9/11/07

Come see Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart perform some of their favorite songs while backed by over 200 musicians in a unique performance with a larger than life orchestra & choir in Benaroya Hall!
Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, along with Alice in Chains, is this year's special guests for the Symphony Guild's 10th anniversary benefit concert, Symphony Legacy. Inspired by the question, "What do you leave behind,?" Composer Matt Messina created Symphony Legacy to include this year's special guest performers in support of Seattle Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center.

This is no ordinary concert! Ann & Nancy Wilson will join an exciting cast of performers, including the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Girlchoir, an Australian Didgeridoo performer, a patient musician from the hospital, and more! This is a rare opportunity to see your favorite performers and help raise money for Children's Hospital.

Symphony Legacy: November 2, 2007 at Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle
7pm: Cocktails and Silent Auction
8pm: Concert

Tickets on sale Friday, September 14th, 2007 at 10AM For tickets and more information: www.symphonylegacy.com For ten years, Matt Messina and the Symphony Guild (www.thesymphonyguild.org ) have produced a unique benefit concert to raise money for Children's Hospital. Their goal is to raise $100,000 through this year's concert, Symphony Legacy.

Thanks to Heart Management for the great news!

Seattle Times

Heart, soul, Ann Wilson

By Nicole Brodeur
Seattle Times staff columnist

"I just didn't want to haul out and make a solo album," Wilson, 57, said over the phone from a tour stop in San Francisco one recent afternoon. "I wanted to wait for the right idea, the right producer." Still, when both came, Wilson wasn't entirely prepared. Stepping away from her sister made her feel vulnerable, but at the same time, invigorated.

"I am used to working with Nancy," she said. "It's an artistic friendship that has been going a long time and is really empowering. "I just don't understand what it's like to be all on me," she said. "I'm not used to saying, 'I,' because it's always been 'we.' So doing this solo album has been a really big experience for me."

read entire article here

Thanks seattleboy!

Bonus Track

The bonus track on Hope & Glory is a Paul Simon song called American Tune. It can be purchased through iTunes. Here are the lyrics:

Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
But I'm all right, I'm all right
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
or driven to its knees
But it's all right, it's all right
We'be lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the road
we're traveling on
I wonder what went wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what went wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
And I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age's most uncertain hour
and sing an American tune
But it's all right, it's all right
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest

Thanks guitarmaven!

Hope & Glory Released Today

Hope & Glory is released today! iTunes features a bonus track and the song is titled American Tune. Check out your iTunes to hear a sample!

You can also purchase the album at www.rounderstore.com. Visit the www.myspace.com/officialannwilson for the latest updates on Ann Wilson!

Philly.com Article

On 9/11, new CDs reflect on our troubled times

GOTTA HAVE HEART: Ann Wilson (of the rock group Heart) is aiming for "Hope & Glory" (Zoe, B), making a powerful case about the world's warring nature with classic protest rock anthems. Ben Mink's organic production and lots of guest-star power tames the bellicose nature, though, of even the Animals' howler "We've Gotta Get Out of This Place" (done as a countrified duet with Wynonna), or the Creedence Clearwater Revival warning, "Bad Moon Rising" (with guest Gretchen Wilson).

The usually apolitical Elton John participates with Wilson in a re-do of his and Bernie Taupin's song about a dead soldier drifting toward heaven, "Where to Now St. Peter?" Another fave is Wilson's shivery treatment of Bob Dylan's A-bomb threat, "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" likewise haunted by the voices of Rufus Wainwright and Shawn Colvin.

link

Houston Chronicle

Anniversary doesn't stop new albums
By JOEY GUERRA
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Sept. 11 serves as a harrowing reminder of the day everything changed — a sobering, sixth anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks.

But for record stores (real and online) and a slew of top-tier artists, today marks another important milestone: It's the first time since 2001 that Sept. 11 has fallen on a Tuesday, the day of the week most record labels release new products.Heart lead singer Ann Wilson provides smarter, more precise commentary on Hope & Glory, her first solo effort. It's a stirring collection of covers designed to make a "social statement" and also is in stores today.

"Music has always had a strong tie to national identity, and it always has been used as commentary — a soundtrack to events, if you will," Olson says.

Wilson's disc features thoughtful tunes from Elton John (Where to Now, St. Peter?), Led Zeppelin (Immigrant Song), Neil Young (War of Man) and John Lennon (Isolation). It also includes one sterling original, Little Problems, Little Lies, told from the point of view of a dying American soldier in Iraq.

"Music played a very important role in the days, weeks and months after Sept. 11," Werde says. "People turned to recordings old and new — some to take their mind off of their troubles and fears, and others to contemplate them further."

Given today's wealth of music, it's likely everyone will find something to fit their mood.

link

Darkness,Darkness Mp3

9/10/07

I found a blog that has an mp3 of Darkness, Darkness. Check it out here.

Buffalo News Article/Review

Long revered as the eminently powerful voice of Heart, Ann Wilson has never really gotten her full due. So many divas and wannabes have crassly announced themselves in the 30-plus years that Wilson and sister Nancy have been leading Heart across the popular music landscape that one tends, perhaps, to take her for granted. And though Heart has not always managed to steer clear of the trendy temptations of the age — the ‘80s were not a great decade for the band, despite beaucoup commercial success — Wilson has remained cool regardless, precisely because she gave her incredible musicality every time she got behind the mic, regardless of the strength of the material.

“Hope & Glory” is, surprisingly, Wilson’s solo debut. It’s a star-studded affair, full of guest appearances that Wilson certainly didn’t need the help of, but which will probably heighten the record’s commercial profile. It’s also a record of cover songs, interpretations of pieces by everyone from Pink Floyd (a strong, harmony-laden “Goodbye Blue Sky” with sister Nancy) to Lucinda Williams (a scruffy stroll through “Jackson” with k.d. lang), Neil Young (“War of Man,” with Alison Krauss) to the Youngbloods (“Darkness, Darkness” with her sister, “Get Together” with Wynonna and Deana Carter).

All of this is well-done, and smartly produced by frequent k.d. lang collaborator Ben Mink. Trouble is, it would’ve been better if Wilson had abandoned the guest list and really gone for it on her own. Stylistic diversity is always welcome, but ill-suited guests lend an air of uncertainty to the proceedings, as if no one was really sure what sort of record they wanted to make. Wilson shines on her own as she wraps her powerful voice around John Lennon’s hair-raising “Isolation,” and even more so on the only song she wrote for the record, the heart-broken reflection on the Iraq War, “Little Problems Little Lies.”

Wilson’s talent is more than ample, and it could’ve filled this album quite ably on its own. The guests clutter up the proceedings, for the most part. That said, “Hope & Glory” is worth listening to just for the pure joy evident in Wilson’s singing.

link

Buffalo News Article/Review

Inside Tracks

Inside Tracks will continued to be shown on VH1 Classic. For times and dates look at the listings here.

The show aired Sunday and showed live clips of Ann singing Immigrant Song and Little Problems, Little Lies. Great interview with Ann about Heart and her upcoming solo album Hope & Glory. Ann also hosts the Women Who Rock Countdown.

Ann Wilson Praised

9/9/07

Hope & Glory Contributors Sing The Praises Of The Legendary Ann Wilson

Ann Wilson chose luminaries to accompany her on the socially conscious rock anthems and thought-provoking folk ballads featured on her first solo album Hope Glory (9/11, Zoë /Rounder).

"I asked them to be on the record not only because I knew how they felt, philosophically, but also because of their singing styles. I felt their voices would help these songs reach a lot of people who might not ordinarily hear them," Wilson explained in a recent interview with Performing Songwriter (Sep/Oct 2007).

Here's what some the album's guest vocalists had to say:

"Ann Wilson is my hero. Her voice and stage presence have always been a tremendous inspiration to me. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her several times over the last couple of years. She is always amazing, powerful and real. I don't know what rock roll would have done without her!" - Gretchen Wilson, "Bad Moon Rising"

"Ann is an amazing woman, artist and one of my "sheros". I grew up singing harmony with her (while listening to the amazing Heart records) and am now proud to call her my friend. Being in the studio with her has always been a dream of mine, she is a singer's singer, and I can now check it off my life list. This album fits Ann so well, very few people can pull of what she has which is, when you listen to each song it's as if she had written them herself. She sounds better than ever and it's perfect. "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" is a classic "things have got to change" anthem and "Get Together" a great message of love - they were so fun to do and speak volumes, I think, about the message Ann is trying to relay with this record." - Wynonna Judd, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" "Get Together"

"Singing harmony with Ann and jamming with Ben Mink ~ What a beautiful ride I was able to hitch along the 'Hope Glory' highway. It's an amazing musical landscape. I think they might have made a masterpiece." - Nancy Wilson, "Goodbye Blue Sky", "Darkness, Darkness", Get Together"

"Ok, so there's Ann, who's a monster singer, she's covering a seminal Dylan song, she gets Rufus, another totally sick singer to sing on it...and then she asks me to sing on it, too. Some days are definitely better than others." - Shawn Colvin, "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall"

"To be asked to be included in such a special project by such an iconic artist is an honor and a privilege. Ann's voice is absolutely one of the most powerful voices of our time and I've been a huge fan since the early days. Her influence in music today is undeniable and this collection of songs is the continuum of how important she is as a link in the influential, musical chain. I'm also proud to consider her my friend." - Deana Carter, "Get Together"

From Shore Fire:

Music Tap Review

9/8/07

This Hope & Glory review is taken from www.musictap.com

I’ve always been surprised that Ann Wilson had never put out a solo album, even a self-absorbed one. While I’ve never been a Heart fan, I have appreciated the talent that comes from both Ann and Nancy Wilson. But, as Heart no longer commands the audience adoration that they enjoyed in the ’70s and ‘80s, it’s a perfect opportunity that Ann Wilson takes to fill the obvious void with the release of her first ever solo project, the covers-laden Hope & Glory.

I have to admit to not expecting a tremendous effort but I was sure wrong. Hope & Glory ends up being a better than average release with 11 classic covers and an Ann Wilson/Ben Mink original tacked onto the end. A glance through the titles will give you a feeling that Ann is all over the board here, that she might not be able to pull it off, especially the tough “Immigrant Song” from Led Zeppelin. But I’m here to tell you that her version of “Immigrant Song” is a well done piece, right down to her Plant intro knockoff. The song certainly pushes her to her vocals limits but Ann Wilson’s rock experience with Heart gives her the guns to pull it off effectively.

Her cover of “Goodbye Blue Sky” (Pink Floyd) is a grand effort. She is joined by Elton John on a cover of his “Where to Now, St Peter?,” she duets with k.d. lang on “Jackson,” and with Wynonna Judd on the Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” She does a bluegrass version of “Bad Moon Rising” (Creedence Clearwater Revival) in a duet with Gretchen Wilson that’s not bad. And her simple rendition of “Get Together” (Youngbloods), is charming. Simply stated, Ann Wilson taps into the original spirit of all of the songs on Hope and Glory, and this easily makes the album stand out in a uniquely Ann Wilson way. Sticking her toe in the water, and testing our reception on her one original, the folk-like “Little Problems, Little Lies,” tell me that she should do an album of originals next.

Ann Wilson could have done this album in the ‘70s and it would have been big for her. She still has that rock cred; her big bluesy, soulful, rocking, country – choose one – voice still does the trick. I was never a Heart fan but I’m an Ann Wilson fan now.

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Date Cancelled

From Heart Management, the following concert has been cancelled:

October 28 - River Cree Resort & Casino - Enoch, AB

Hope & Glory Review

Heart Monger Blog review for Ann Wilson's solo album"Hope & Glory."

Due out September 11, 2007 on Zoe/Rounder Records.

Darkness, Darkness - The best track on Hope & Glory. Ann Wilson reaches heights in this song that her and sister Nancy haven't reached in years. The violin ads almost a Celtic/folk vibe infused with rock. Ann Wilson breaks out her flute which ads mystery and a magical aura to the song. With Nancy Wilson joining in on vocals, this song could easily have been a Heart song, but the sound is a little different from their normal sound. Almost a mix of Heart and the Lovemongers if that is possible. Ann reaches up into her higher vocal register at the end of the song and sings "Darkness, Darkness....be my pillow." Classic Ann Wilson vocals.

We Gotta Get Out of This Place - Wynonna and Ann Wilson, both icons in their own right, tear up this classic Animals song with attitude and some to spare. The song itself is almost a country rock sound, which is somewhat present throughout this album. Maybe Ann working with such country artists as Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson and Deana Carter has influenced her solo sound. This song should be the clarion call for the War In Iraq...We Gotta Get Out of This Place!

Immigrant Song - This song has to be one of the most controversial songs on the album. Not in a political way, but a musical way...Heart fans versus Led Zeppelin Fans. Ann does a total modernization of this song and it is hypnotic, with otherworldly background vocals which lead into a rocking crescendo. She has balls to totally redo a song from such a legendary band, and I think she did the song justice.

Where to Now St. Peter - Elton John and Ann Wilson are a match made in heaven. This epic song was dedicated to Ann and Nancy Wilson during his birthday bash concert, It has a contemporary feel with a definite rock edge. Their voices harmonize together very well and both are singing as passionatley as ever. Excellent piano work from Elton and top notch vocals from Ann.

Good Bye Blue Sky - Ann reworks this Pink Floyd song with help from her sister Nancy. Smooth vocal harmonies over a menacing beat. Bombs going off in the background and hard rock guitar riffs set the listener up for what else is to come on the album. The gong sounding off in the song makes me imagine Ann as a queen addressing the world about the oncoming war.

War of Man - My favorite track on the album, Alison Krauss adds her angelic voice to this anti-war song by Neil Young. Ann gives off a grunge vibe and the guitar work is impeccable. Background vocals add a spooky feel to the song, with Ann's vocals being passionate. This lady sings like she means it..."No one wins...it's a War of Man."

Jackson - Ann delves into her country side on this Lucinda Williams song, and brings country crooner kd lang along for the ride. Lang is mostly relegated to backing vocals which adds a nice contrast to Ann's smoky delivery. "When I get to Baton Rouge, I won't cry a tear for you." Lilting country guitar and a steady rhythm makes this a song you would cruise through the countryside to.

Bad Moon Rising - This song could have been recorded in a smoky honky tonk bar, especially with Gretchen Wilson joining in on the hootenanny. Ann sings this CCR classic with a renewed vigor, and Gretchen's vocals add a great country twang to the song.This song would be huge if it was released on country radio.

Get Together - Ann brings in her sister Nancy, and country artists Deana Carter and Wynonna for this touching remake of the oldies staple. Ann takes this hippy anthem and adds a more contemporary feel to it, and the harmonies float around like a group of angels singing to the wounded soldiers on a battlefield.

Isolation - Probably the deepest track on Hope & Glory. This song was recorded shortly after the death of Ann Wilson's mother. There is a feeling of blues to this song that Ann hasn't really shown in a while. Her voice is full of emotion, and the band rocks for all it's worth. John Lennon would be proud.

Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall - Ann brings together two other artists for this Bob Dylan tune. Rufus Wainwright and his plaintive warbling lends a unique dimension to this song, as well as Shawn Colvin's sweet and melodic voice.This song is the longest track on Hope & Glory. Bob Dylan's amazing lyrics match the times in which we live. No wonder Ann chose to record it.

Little Problems, Little Lies - One for the soldiers. This is truly a heartbreaking song. The self-penned song has Ann reaching into her imagination and looking through the eyes of a soldier. A perfect closer to this amazing album.

Little Problems, Little Lies Video

A video made by a Heart Monger for the song Little Problems, Little Lies. For all of our troops overseas, may you come home safe. Thank you for all you do.

Celebrity Cafe Album Review

Ann Wilson, lead singer of the legendary Heart, releases her first solo record, a collection of covers. With guests on nine of 12 tracks, Wilson brings a fresh sound to well known hits such as Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising.” Guest artists include Elton John, k.d. lang, Wynonna Judd, Gretchen Wilson, Alison Krauss, Deana Carter, Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin, and Ann Wilson’s sister Nancy Wilson.

“Darkness, Darkness,” originally recorded by The Youngbloods, is a wide step away from classic Heart hits, and Wilson pulls off the vocals with ease. “Where to Now St. Peter,” featuring Elton John -- also the co-writer, brings together rock and piano in a memorable duet. “Little Problems, Little Lies,” Wilson’s original track, rounds out the album. Well mixed -- with a singer/songwriter feel, Wilson sings of current events, touching on personal emotions rather than political views.

“Hope and Glory” is a strong record, showing both talent and taste from Heart’s famous voice.

Reviewer: Jenna Horan
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Real Rock Album Review

CD Review: Ann Wilson’s Hope & Glory

On September 11, Ann Wilson’s solo CD will be released. Being her first solo album, there is bound to be a lot if interest from fans of Heart, the band where Ann Wilson has earned her reputation as one of the best female vocalists in rock.

I’ve been a fan of Heart pretty much since the beginning and have always had an appreciation for her talent. Needless to say, I was quite interested to hear that she would be releasing a solo album and I’ve been listening to it for the last couple of days.

In the first track, “Good Bye Blue Sky,” originally done by Pink Floyd, Ann gets a little help from her sister Nancy and some of the vocals are easily identified as a product of the Wilson Sisters. Being a rather laid-back track, it does not really showcase Ann’s voice in a way I am accustomed to hearing her in my favorite Heart tunes. For me, this selection as the first track kind of gets things off to a slow start. As much as I like Pink Floyd, this one was never one of my favorites.

When I first heard track number 2, “Where To Now St. Peter?” on Ann Wilson’s MySpace page a few weeks ago I took a liking to it immediately. It’s no secret that Elton John has been known to write a good song or two, and although this was not one that was well-known to me, I’d have to say this is now one of my favorite Elton John songs. It’s certainly my hands-down favorite track on this new album.

“Jackson” certainly has a country feel to it with a typical country-style progression to it. I admit that I don’t know jack about Lucinda Williams, and since my taste in country music usually steers me more towards country music with more of a rock slant to it, it’s not typically the kind of song I would listen to. It is, however, quite listenable, and it is interesting to hear Ann’s voice lend itself to a song like this. I will admit that I found myself tapping my foot along as I was listening to it.

The old Animals classic “We Got To Get Out of This Place” has an updated sound to it and to me it is more interesting that the original. I think Ann and Wynonna Judd play off each other nicely.

I know the Wilson Sisters like to do Zeppelin Songs, so I guess it should surprise no one that Ann chose one for her new album. The particular track she chose, ‘The Immigrant Song,” is one that I never really took a liking to, so I can’t personally say I was too crazy about this one. I did appreciate the fact that I could understand the lyrics however. I could never tell what the hell it was that was being said in the original version!

“Darkness, Darkness” is another one where Nancy lends a hand and is a tune I have heard a few time through the years but never paid too much attention to. I really do like this version, though and would have to nominate it for my second-favorite track on the album. I think Ann does an outstanding job of capturing the mood of this song.

Another country-ish toe-tapper is “Bad Moon Rising,” originally by Creedence Clearwater Revival. It’s one of those classics that is so recognizable when it pops up on the radio or something. I’ve always kind of liked this song, although I don’t really know why. It’s not typical of the stuff that I listen to. At any rate, I like the original version and I like this one as well. Another artist with whom I am unfamiliar, Gretchen Wilson, joins Ann to record this one and I think the harmonies she pulls off with Ann sound great for this song.

“War of Man” is a Neil Young song that kind of strikes me the same way the first track on the album does. For me it just never really gets off the ground. I’ve never been a Neil Young fan and this song won’t change that. Alison Krauss performs on this track with Ann and I have to agree with the comments Ann made about her voice, which she described as “pure and angelic.”

Another Youngbloods original was selected for track 9, “Get Together.” This 1960’s classic was also given an updated sound which, for me, makes it more interesting. I’d prefer to hear this version over the original version, which never really stood out as something I would go out of my way to listen to, and quite frankly, might put me to sleep.

I like “Isolation” better than I would have expected, since I don’t think I have ever heard a John Lennon song that I cared much for. What I like about this one is that it really allows Ann to cut loose a bit and demonstrate the range and power of her voice. It’s another one that starts off slow but this one really builds up and gets off the ground nicely towards the end. I’ve never heard the Lennon version, but strongly suspect I would prefer the Wilson version.

I don’t know how Bob Dylan made a name for himself as a singer, but it was nice hearing one of his songs performed by people who actually can sing. Sorry, Bob, but I never could stand your voice. Anyway, I’ll give him his due as a song writer since this is an interesting song and the idea to have Shawn Colvin join in on this one was a good one because I think she sounds great.

The last track is the single track on the album written by Ann herself. It’s an acoustic track and it’s always been hard for me, as a rock fan, to get into that kind of thing. I did not find it all that interesting, but it does do a good job of summing up the album’s theme and does not really leave us wondering a lot about her opinions where a certain war is concerned.

Although most of the material on this album is not the kind of stuff I would typically find myself listening to, overall, I enjoyed it and would add a few of the tracks to the list of stuff I normally listen to. “Where To Now St. Peter?” is a definite as well as “Darkness, Darkness.”

I found it interesting to hear her perform some styles of music that I don’t normally associate with her, but I would have liked the chance to hear more of her original material. Maybe at some point she will give us all a chance to do that.

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Peers Sing Praise to Ann

Hope & Glory Contributors Sing The Praises Of The Legendary Ann Wilson Ann Wilson chose luminaries to accompany her on the socially conscious rock anthems and thought-provoking folk ballads featured on her first solo album Hope Glory (9/11, Zoë /Rounder). "I asked them to be on the record not only because I knew how they felt, philosophically, but also because of their singing styles. I felt their voices would help these songs reach a lot of people who might not ordinarily hear them," Wilson explained in a recent interview with Performing Songwriter (Sep/Oct 2007). Here's what some the album's guest vocalists had to say:

"Ann Wilson is my hero. Her voice and stage presence have always been a tremendous inspiration to me. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with her several times over the last couple of years. She is always amazing, powerful and real. I don't know what rock roll would have done without her!" - Gretchen Wilson, "Bad Moon Rising"

"Ann is an amazing woman, artist and one of my "sheros". I grew up singing harmony with her (while listening to the amazing Heart records) and am now proud to call her my friend. Being in the studio with her has always been a dream of mine, she is a singer's singer, and I can now check it off my life list. This album fits Ann so well, very few people can pull of what she has which is, when you listen to each song it's as if she had written them herself. She sounds better than ever and it's perfect. "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" is a classic "things have got to change" anthem and "Get Together" a great message of love - they were so fun to do and speak volumes, I think, about the message Ann is trying to relay with this record." - Wynonna Judd, "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" "Get Together"

"Singing harmony with Ann and jamming with Ben Mink ~ What a beautiful ride I was able to hitch along the 'Hope Glory' highway. It's an amazing musical landscape. I think they might have made a masterpiece." - Nancy Wilson, "Goodbye Blue Sky", "Darkness, Darkness", Get Together"

"Ok, so there's Ann, who's a monster singer, she's covering a seminal Dylan song, she gets Rufus, another totally sick singer to sing on it...and then she asks me to sing on it, too. Some days are definitely better than others." - Shawn Colvin, "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall"

"To be asked to be included in such a special project by such an iconic artist is an honor and a privilege. Ann's voice is absolutely one of the most powerful voices of our time and I've been a huge fan since the early days. Her influence in music today is undeniable and this collection of songs is the continuum of how important she is as a link in the influential, musical chain. I'm also proud to consider her my friend." - Deana Carter, "Get Together"

For more information on Ann Wilson please contact Diana D'Angelo at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171 or ddangelo@shorefire.com or Jennifer Sacca at Rounder Records, 617.218.4503 or jsacca@rounder.com. Thank you TDHS! :)

Orlando Sentinel Review

9/7/07

This is not a positive review, but it is being shared to give a look into why people seem to be disgruntled over this amazing album.

'Hope & Glory' falls a tad short

Jim Abbott | Sentinel Pop Music Critic
September 7, 2007

Maybe it's that Crossroads series on CMT, but duets are big now.

Ann Wilson, who made a career with a pretty solid singing partner of her own, goes the collaborative route on her first solo album. Hope & Glory, in stores Tuesday, which pairs the Heart vocalist with Elton John, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson and others (including sister Nancy Wilson) on a collection of cover songs.

Wilson's voice can be quite expressive, whether it's in power ballad mode or, better yet, pulled back to reveal a smoky, understated charm. Although a socially conscious theme that links "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall," Neil Young's "War of Man" and the Youngbloods' "Get Together" is laudable, Hope & Glory is a mixed bag.

No offense, but if I'm listening to "Bad Moon Rising," it's going to be John Fogerty singing it, not a pair of Wilsons (Ann and Gretchen).

Likewise, Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" loses something in the translation. Nor does Wilson's delivery unearth anything new on "Where to Now, St. Peter?" with Sir Elton. His singing and piano overshadow her contribution.

Not that there aren't a few successes: Wilson's full-throated style seems ill-suited for the Lucinda Williams ballad "Jackson," but that stripped-down duet with k.d. lang is one of the album's more interesting turns. Near the end of the album, there is also a pair of powerful interpretations, the intense slow-build on John Lennon's "Isolation" and the grand orchestral treatment of "Hard Rain," with Shawn Colvin and Rufus Wainwright.

To tackle well-known anthems effectively, a singer needs to be willing to take chances. If Wilson had taken a few more risks on Hope & Glory, the album's execution would have matched its vision.
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Rock Line Radio Article

So, your friend says, " I’m going to tell you a secret, but you can’t tell anyone about it for two and a half months." No problem, huh? Then a bombshell gets dropped on you and it takes all your will power to hold it in that long. Such is the case with the brand new CD “Hope and Glory” by Ann Wilson of Heart, in stores and on-line on 9-11. We at ROCKLINE got an advance copy months ago and swore not to play it anywhere in public. So quite often, we finish a show and just sit in our studio and listen to it together. That would be AFTER we are finished for the night. The first thing that strikes you is what an unbelievable voice Ann still possesses and then the actual song selection of this covers CD leaps out. These songs were chosen by someone who not only knows her music, but knows the music that works best for her too. The next thing that hits you is all of these other voices that you hear in addition to Ann’s unmistakable intonation and elocution. Classic voices. Familiar voices.

Of course that’s Nancy Wilson on the opening song, a goose-bump read of Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky”. Then there’s Sir Elton on his own song “Where to Now St. Peter?” right there in beautiful harmony with Ann. Wilson surrounds herself with an incredible coterie of superstar performers including k.d. lang, Wynonna, Gretchen Wilson, Alison Krauss, Rufus Wainwright, Shawn Colvin and more. But this is no country album; this is Rock and Roll all the way with some well chosen, familiar songs and a couple of ‘are you kidding me’ selections. Who else has the courage to cover “Isolation” by John Lennon? Incredible selections and off the chart performances abound throughout on “Hope and Glory”, but there is never a doubt who the star of this album is. Ann has never sounded better, or more inspired. www.Heart-Music.com and www.MySpace.com/AnnWilson are good sources for information. You can also pre-order the album on-line so you won’t have to keep it a secret for long. Trust us; it was difficult to not sneak something on the air at some point. And then there’s this final observation. Ann Wilson releases an album called “Hope and Glory” on 9-11? Now that takes guts….and confidence….and the pride rings through.

Join us as we celebrate a remarkable achievement as Ann Wilson joins us on the next ROCKLINE!
Ann will be on Rock Line on September 12th. link

Daily Bulletin Article

Wilson branches out, plays Pomona with Heart
By George A. Paul, Music Writer

This week, I'll focus on two veteran female rockers who have emerged from the shadows of their famous groups.

Ann Wilson's debut solo disc "Hope & Glory" (Zoe/Rounder), available Tuesday, finds the musician putting a robust vocal spin on songs from the '60s, '70s and beyond.

No stranger to taking on Led Zeppelin with Heart (they did "Battle of Evermore" in 1992), Wilson and producer Ben Mink give "Immigrant Song" a seething North African bent.

Bandmate sister Nancy guests on Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky" and The Youngbloods' "Darkness Darkness."

Elsewhere, Wilson does Lucinda Williams' folksy "Jackson" proud with k.d. lang, The Animals' "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" with Wynonna, a feisty version of CCR's "Bad Moon Rising" with Gretchen Wilson and gives Elton John's "Where to Now, St. Peter?" a psychedelic vibe with the man himself.

Alison Krauss, Rufus Wainwright and Shawn Colvin appear on additional remakes.

Heart performs on Saturday at the L.A. County Fair in Pomona. Wilson discusses the new tunes Sunday on "Inside Track" (VH1 Classic; check local listings), part of a Heart programming block.
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Dreamboat Annie Live!

9/6/07

Dreamboat Annie Live is now listed on Amazon.com and will be released on October 23, 2007.
Thanks artemisgordon from the Heart board!

Ann and Lucinda Williams

From the Heart management: Last night those attending the Lucinda Williams concert at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles we given an extra special treat. Ann Wilson, joined Lucinda on stage and performed "Get Right with God"!! What an awesome time!!

Ann is covering the Williams song "Jackson" with kd lang on her upcoming solo album!

Next Podcast

This coming Sunday the Heart Monger Blog will be putting up a podcast especially for the release of Hope & Glory on September 11th. Stay tuned to hear songs that are my personal picks from the upcoming album and a complete review.

Ear Candy

Advance notice: Ann Wilson's "Hope & Glory"

Ann Wilson's first solo record comes out Tuesday. Ear Candy has been spinning it for a few weeks now and here's the low down on this awesome album.

Seattle music maven Ann Wilson gets by with the help of her friends throughout the 12 tracks on her debut solo record "Hope & Glory."

The album includes 11 covers of artists ranging from Led Zeppelin ("Immigrant Song") to John Lennon ("Isolation"). On those two tracks Wilson sings solo, but for the rest of the record she brings in an A-list cast of collaborators including Rufus Wainwright and Shawn Colvin for Bob Dylan's "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," Elton John for a version of his own "Where To Now St. Peter?" and Alison Krauss for Neil Young's "War Of Man," the best of the lot of tremendous songs.

Of course Wilson's sister Nancy appears too. She's there for album opener, Pink Floyd's "Goodbye Blue Sky" and The Youngbloods' "Get Together." The latter also includes Deana Carter and Wynonna.

Her voice is a perfect fit for every contemporary standard she chose. This record should silence and amaze critics who think she can't excel beyond belting out "Barracuda."

Each song receives a stylish rearrangement that is mindful of the original yet distinct enough for Wilson to claim herself. The slowed-down duet with k.d. Lang on Johny Cash's "Jackson" and the countrified collaboration with Gretchen Wilson on Credence's "Bad Moon Rising" that features plenty of fiddling flair are just two examples of how she is able to capture the spirit of a classic while breathing new life into it in the process.
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New Ecard

9/5/07

See it here and sent it to your friends!

Ribfest Videos

Heart performing the Who's Love Reign O'er Me live at the Naperville ribfest, July 3, 2007

Video for Alone from this show is here
and the video for Crazy on You here

Blue Ash Video

Heart playing the the 4th of July celebration at Blue Ash, Ohio
Click here to see the Magic Man video.

Album Art

A glimpse into the album art. The cd itself shows two hands holding a purple heart. The tentative album title was The Purple Heart, but Hope & Glory was chosen. Thanks to the Heartlinker for the find, you can see his report here

The Pulse Article

Two “old friends” are rising back into the aural zeitgeist next week. Heart vocalist Ann Wilson returns with Hope & Glory, her debut solo album showcasing a new, poignant, serious-minded original, and 11 powerfully resonating cover selections. More somber and earthy than political or preachy, the themes adrift in Neil Young’s “War of Man,” Bob Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” and Jesse Colin Young’s “Darkness, Darkness” are well stirred by these troubled times, and well, mighty comforting here in the foxhole. More clouds and thunder come in a spooky-cool run at Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky,” a down-home front-porch hootenanny of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” with guest Gretchen Wilson, and a call to “Get Together” with The Youngbloods’ Summer of Love hit.

Other guests include a duet with Elton John on his own “Where to Now Saint Peter,” and k.d. lang riding shotgun on the road to Lucinda Williams’ “Jackson.” Closing out the Zoe Records release, Wilson’s new song, “Little Problems, Little Lies,” was written from the imagined perspective of an American soldier in Iraq, “a bleedin’ in a bombed-out SUV,” and succeeds where 90 percent of pop music today fails, asking the listener to slow down a little, breathe deep, and listen to the words… link

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