Ann Wilson & the Daybreaks - Strange Euphoria

Ann Wilson

During the next month or so I will be delving deep into the tracks on the new Heart box set, Strange Euphoria. Feel free to leave comments if you see errors or want to contribute any additional information.

The first song on the new HEART Box Set is Through Eyes and Glass by Ann Wilson & the Daybreaks. This is going way back to 1969, before there was Heart. Even at this early point in her music career, Ann was showing a knack for songwriting. (the song was found online and was not uploaded by me).

   15 Through Eyes and Glass by Joel Childers

Ann Wilson And The Daybreaks--Through Eyes And Glass / I'm Gonna' Drink My Hurt Away--Topaz 1312.  Original 1969 pre-Heart  pressing of Ann Wilson and Daybreak released on a small independent Pacific Northwest label, their second release for Topaz.  Ann Wilson penned the A-side, played flute, and performed vocals. (Popsike.com)

Tom G. Wendt - On January 9, 1969 I recorded two 45 recordings (2 records - 4 sides) with a group called Daybreak which included Chris Blaine on Drums, Bob Ormbrek on bass and backup vocals, Ann Wilson - Lead vocals, myself -Tom Wendt - Rhythm guitar and Herb Johnson on Organ.  There was another organist prior to Herb, Steve Hansen.  I left the group first and then Bob Ormbrek and then Herb left after that. This was still in the 1969 time frame. I believe that the group perhaps changed three times or more that year.  I played with this group during 1968 and 1969.  I was with them for around a year or more as I recall.

Nancy Wilson, Ann Wilson's younger sister, attended many of our jam and practice sessions which were held in Chris Blaine's parents basement in Bellevue, WA at that time.

Nancy occasionally took stage to sing backup in our "Hey Jude" contribution. I believe, as far as I recollect that the aforementioned names were the Original Daybreak band. The name of the band was actually temporarily changed later for the recordings in 1969 to "Ann Wilson and the Daybreaks" which is the name on the 45's.This was because we were doing work for a country songwriter who was looking for a group willing to record them to gain studio time in return.  Fortunately we did not have time to complete the arrangement on all four cuts so we were able to throw in one of our own which was written by Ann Wilson and perhaps with Nancy's help. That song was called "Through Eyes and Glass" and featured Ann playing flute as well as doing vocals. The whole affair was cool but only slightly embarrassing because we were really a Rock band that changed it's name for a set of recordings, three of which were not our own and Country. (pnwbands.com)