New Music From Heart!

For the first time in six years Ann and Nancy have released a new original record: Red Velvet Car. It will be released on August 31. Here's a sneak peak:

Here are a few things being said about it:

“The barracudas are back and at the top of their game.” (Rolling Stone, September 2, 2010)

“Aggressive, Delicate and Enduring” (New York Times, August 4, 2010)

"Red Velvet Car, to be released by Sony Music’s Legacy Recordings, boasts an evolved sound that doesn't pander to the iPod generation. The women of Heart have strong stories to tell through the music.” (The Virginian-Pilot, August 13, 2010)

And from their press release:

"Like all Heart albums, Red Velvet Car rocks hard but also has a deep acoustic side. Nancy Wilson has long been known to play her acoustic guitar with rock ferocity. This time an abundance of resonant acoustic instruments (guitars, mandolin, dobro, banjo, fiddle, viola, cello, and autoharp), played by Nancy Wilson and the album’s producer, Ben Mink, are showcased in Heart’s unique style. Nine of the album's songs were written for, and appear for the first time on Red Velvet Car. The album's closer, "Sand," is a newly recorded version of a song originally written and recorded by the Lovemongers, Ann and Nancy's 1990's acoustic side project. The release of Red Velvet Car heralds Legacy's forthcoming reissues of the classic Heart catalog in new physical and digital editions.

I can't wait to hear it, just wish Ann and Nanc were touring in my area! I guess I'll be driving to Los Angels is I want to see them this time. If you hear any of the new songs, let me know what you think!

My first time at SUMMERFEST!

Summerfest is incredible. Its the BIGGEST rock and roll show ANYWHERE and I can imagine spending an entire week there. Too tired to describe it but check out their website to get a feel for it....

Have I mentioned lately how much I LOVE these two women! Just got back from another great performance by two of the queens of rock and roll (imo there are very few women that can claim that title, it belongs to Janis, Chrissie and the Wilson sisters).

Not only was it a great show, but I got to sit between two guys who are passionate about music, Drew (my honey and the reason that I am here in Wisconsin) and Joe, the fantabulously groovy rock and roll writer and blogger extraordinaire.

It was great to meet Joe (aka Rock and Roll Guru). He is exactly the same in person as he is on his blog - full of life, fun, interesting and a down to earth great guy.

Ann and Nancy kicked ass as usual. Those two only get better with age. I love them! Ann's voice is exceptional. She's managed to keep her voice strong all these years. Not a single note was less than perfect. And Nancy is so fun to watch....she plays with her own style and sense of fun. I hope they keep rockin for years to come.

They did one of their new songs during the encore. It hasn't been released yet and I can't remember the name of it, but they dedicated it to "Michael" and I assumed they were referring to Michael Jackson. To read a very moving story about Stevie Wonder's performance and tribute to Michael last night at Summerfest, see Joe's post here.

Tomorrow night its back for more great music, we will be seeing Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam. In fact, I may even get to meet Davy, should I tell him I chose his band as the number one new band of 2008? Can not wait to hear him play/sing.

Summerfest - Heart - Rock and Roll Guru

I'm excited that I will be experiencing Summerfest tomorrow night!  I'll be hearing one of my favorite bands of all time, Heart, AND meeting one of my favorite bloggers of all time, Rock and Roll Guru!  It should be a grand time.

New Heart Next Year

Well its about time! I love these ladies and can't wait to see what they come up with. There new album will be released in summer of 2010, there last one was "Jupiter's Darling" way back in 2004.

Here is part of an interview with Nancy:

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Rock 'n' roll sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart have been making music together for more than 30 years, but they have rarely shared the vocal spotlight.

Ann did most of the singing, while guitarist Nancy occasionally contributed backing vocals. The formula served them well, producing such classic-rock chestnuts as "Barracuda" and "Crazy on You."

But things will be a little different for the group's next album, on which they are currently working. Nancy will take a greater share of the vocal duties as the sisters experiment more with harmonies.

"It's just a way of reinventing, and having more fun, and taking some of the pressure off of Ann as a singer," her younger sister said in a recent interview with Reuters.

"As you probably can imagine, her voice is really a gift from above. It's an instrument like few others. To couch a vocal style together more would be something fresh and new and more fun. Harmony singing is my favorite thing to do in music!"

Wilson described her vocal style as "more limited," although she has sung lead on a handful of tunes including the 1985 chart-topping power ballad "These Dreams." The sisters also notably traded off each other on their cover of Led Zeppelin's "Battle of Evermore."

"I love singing, and whenever I can sing some more vocal leads I always covet the chance. But it's always got to be the perfect fit for a voice like mine," she said.

Free CD - "Dreamboat Annie Live" by Heart

Shout Music was nice enough to give me a copy of the new CD and DVD of this incredible performance. Ann and Nancy were asked to do "Dreamboat Annie" in its entirety this past year and its now available on CD and DVD seperately. I am keeping the DVD - its a MUST HAVE for any Heart fan, but would like to give the CD away. Just to make it fun, here are a few trivia questions about Heart. The first person to get the majority of them correct (without cheating by looking up the answers!) can have the CD. I will leave this open for a few days.

1. Name three instruments each that both Ann and Nancy play.

2. What were many of the songs on Dreamboat Annie inspired by:
a) a boat
b) a man Nancy was in love with
c) the feminist movement
d) Anne's boyfriend
e) Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
f) the Viet Nam war

3. When Mushroom Records heard them play they wanted to sign one of the sisters but not the rest of the band....she said no unless they signed all of them. Who did they want to sign?

4. Name three popular songs off Dreamboat Annie?

5. Who is older, Ann or Nancy?

6. Name a band that were a major influence on them in their early years.

7. Do you know what the song "Crazy on You" is about? If so, what.

Remember - you don't have to get them ALL right to win. Good luck, its a great CD!

New Release of Classic Album!!

I'll be reviewing this soon....but I already know it will be good!

HEART’S LIVE CONCERT PERFORMANCE OF FAMED ALBUM DREAMBOAT ANNIE SET FOR RELEASE ON DVD AND CD

In Stores October 23rd

HEART

DREAMBOAT ANNIE LIVE

DVD & CD

She does a damn good version of it if y ou ask me...

Real Rock News had a post about Ann Wilson singing some Zeppelin on her new solo CD. Heart has always covered a few Zeppelin tunes and they are a big hit with the audience when they do them live. As I read the post I thought to myself "I really need to see them when they tour here again".

What's so weird about that you ask? I already have tickets, I am seeing them in 2 weeks. I forgot. I think it's called aging. I'm serious.....how could I forget that!?!?

Go to Ann's myspace and listen to her sing Immigrant Song.

Ann Wilson - Solo Debut

YES! Those of you who read here know I love Ann Wilson, her voice, her presence on stage and her confidence, style and class. She just rocks. So I was pleased to find this tidbit of info over at "Classic Rock"

Heart singer Ann Wilson issues her solo debut, Hope And Glory, via Rounder Records on September 11. It features guest appearances from Elton John, KD Lang, Alison Krauss, Shawn Colvin, Rufus Wainwright and her sister Nancy Wilson.

Don't get me started on all the reasons I admire Ann....I think I've covered it on this blog in a prior post. The bottom line is she's a role model for women over 40 and for those who may not be quite as slender as society would consider "attractive". She went through some hellish years because she didn't fit the mold of the slender rock chick, but now she exudes confidence and her voice is stronger than ever. She's 57 years old and is coming out with a solo album with that sexy photo on the cover - that in itself makes a statement that some women just keep getting better with age! :)

Can't wait to get my copy to review (assuming I receive one)! Hope it shows up soon.

That reminds me....The Traveling Wilburys have a CD coming out that I will be reviewing soon, it's called "The Traveling Wilburys Collection"

Rock Honors - VHI

Is anyone going to watch this tonight?

I typically avoid most music related TV shows, but this one actually has potential. I may give it a go. Especially since my two of my three favorite female rockers will be on it.

CONCERT SEASON!

Concert season is right around the corner and I just purchased a pair of tix for Heart. I love these ladies so much - they put on a great show and always include their famous Zeppelin medley where Ann sounds almost as good as Robert Plant.

My seats are good - on Nancy's side of the stage, so that will be perfect. The concert is not until July 27.

Sunday I buy 2 tix for Roger Waters which is June 13th. I hope I can find someone to go. There's this one young bloke I'd like to take, but it may be a bit of a drive for him.

KICK SOME ROCK N ROLL ASS THIS SUMMER WITH HEART

Its upon us!!!

THE SUMMER CONCERT SEASON!

Last year I saw 7 concerts (not including u2 which was a) technically in the Fall and b) an EVENT, and EXPERIENCE, not a mere "concert")

This summer I am going to be really picky and see only shows that I know are going to be great. I will see my all time favorite female rockers - Ann and Nancy Wilson, to kick of my summer of music.

They'll be at the Del Mar Fair Grounds in San Diego on June 22. I already have my tickets, parking pass and a vacation day planned for June 23. I'd love to somehow meet them, anyone got connections?

I am not kidding you - these two "older ladies" are so talented and rock out so much (they are known for their Zeppelin covers - awesome!). I can't wait!

Heart
Ann and Nancy Wislon
Summer Concerts

technorati tags: Classic, Rock

Heart

Just got home from a Heart concert...

IT WAS INCREDIBLE - THEY KICKED ASS, THE FIRST LADIES OF ROCK N ROLL!

Heart has always been a special band to me for many reasons. First and foremost, they are very talented...but it goes deeper. Ann and Nancy are sisters, they have class, they used their talent not their good looks to become successful. Yes, if you know the whole story there is some poignancy involved with issues relating to Ann gaining weight...I'll save that rant for my other blog.

Back to the concert: They are known for doing great covers of Zeppelin. They opened with one and did two more during the encore. They played every big hit they've ever had plus a few really great songs I had never heard (but will be downloading today).

Nancy is an incredible guitar player, she also plays the mandolin. I LOVED the way she moves when she plays. Ann's voice is enchanting and she also plays guitar and flute.

These ladies are in their late 40's/early 50's and they still perform with the energy and passion they had in their 20's. I was impressed, entertained and have a whole new respect for these true rock n rollers (can't say that about too many female performers...Unfortunately)