Showing posts with label Ann Wilson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ann Wilson. Show all posts

Thursday, June 05, 2025

New music: Ann Wilson & Tripsitter, Styx, Garbage

A trio of new releases are featured in my column this week, including titles featuring Ann Wilson & Tripsitter, Styx and Garbage.



Artist: 
Ann Wilson & Tripsitter
Title: Live In Concert (Mercury Studios)
You might like if you enjoy: Ann Wilson, Heart
Tell me more: Heart lead singer Ann Wilson and her four-member band Tripsitter made the most of a performance at Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl in July 2023, performing a winning mix of classic Heart selections as well as material from that year's album Another Door and reworked covers from several Rock and Roll Hall of Fame favorites. The concert was filmed and originally aired on PBS in November 2023, and is now newly available on Blu-ray as well as on digital video. One of rock music's all-time great vocalists, Wilson and company are outstanding across the 90-minute performance. Highlights include the buoyant opener "Crazy On You," the Renaissance-flavored rock ballad "This Is Now," the tender "Miss One & Only" (the latter two songs from Another Door), a fiery take on Led Zeppelin's"Immigrant Song" showcasing Tripsitter and an artful reading of Heart's beloved genre-defying gem "Mistral Wind." Wilson's impressive soprano is also showcased in a powerful version of John Lennon's emotive "Isolation" and the set-ending rock classic "Barracuda."  Information: AnnWilson.com and MercuryStudios.co.


Artist: 
Styx
Title: Circling From Above (Alpha Dog 2T/UMe)
You might like if you enjoy: Styx, Asia, Queen
Tell me more: Styx is back with the band's 18th studio album, Circling From Above, an ambitious concept album whose 13 tracks look at the human experience as explored through the dissimilar worlds of modern technology and nature. The concept album is an intoxicating listen, with the band's signature sound celebrated via top-tier songs featuring the contributions from all seven members of Styx — founding guitarist-vocalist James "JY" Young, guitarist-vocalist Tommy Shaw, original bassist Chuck Panozzo, drummer Todd Sucherman, keyboardist-vocalist Lawrence Gowan, guitarist-vocalist Will Evankovich and bassist Terry Gowan. Among my favorite tracks on the first half of the disc are the soaring "Build and Destroy" featuring Gowan's tenor lead vocals, the introspective rocker "Michigan" featuring Shaw's urgent vocals and the band's lush harmonies, the prog rock foray "King of Love" and beautiful acoustic-flavored "Forgive." The momentum of the masterwork continues with strong originals including the Celtic-mining "Blue Eyed Raven," music hall delight "She Knows," resplendent "Ease Your Mind" and the mellifluous "The Things That You Said." The album closes with the wonderfully bluesy "We Lost the Wheel Again" and genuinely introspective "Only You Can Decide." According to a media release, "the album was produced by Evankovich, who also helmed the band's previous two albums before becoming an official member in 2022. All 13 songs were penned in various combinations by the band's songwriting triumvirate of Shaw, Evankovich and Gowan." While the album won't be officially available on streaming or digital outlets until July 18, Circling From Above CD and vinyl copies are available for immediate delivery when purchased via StyxWorld.com. Fans can also purchase physical copies of the album on any of the band's "Brotherhood of Rock" tour dates. Information: StyxWorld.com.




Artist: Garbage
Title: Let All That We Imagine Be the Light (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: The Pretenders, Garbage
Tell me more: Garbage is back with Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, the groundbreaking band's eighth studio album and one of the truly great discs of 2025. The 10-track album produced by the quartet and longtime engineer Billy Bush is filled with originals that are as literate as they are powerful; the songs here crafted with in-the-pocket rhythms, sharp guitar layers, an electronic veneer, nuanced dynamics, soaring choruses and singer Shirley Manson's signature vocals all delivered in the service of strong convictions. Among the terrific cuts on the album is the sumptuous opener "There's No Future in Optimism" with its mix of electronica and rock textures surrounding Manson's enticing vocals, the driving electronic rocker "Get Out My Face AKA Bad Kitty," fiery "Chinese Fire Horse" looking at the bias faced by women as they grow older, the tender "Hold," experimental rocker "Radical" and thought-provoking closer "The Day That I Met God." On Let All That We Imagine Be The Light, Manson, Duke Erikson (guitar, bass, keyboards), Steve Marker (guitar, keyboards) and Butch Vig (drums, percussion) prove they continue to chart the singular course of one of the world's most ambitious and important modern rock bands. Information: garbage.com.

Robert Kinsler


Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Dolly Parton set to release legends-packed 'Rockstar'

I can't think of another single new studio album that boasts the diverse and number of rock 'n' roll notables as Dolly Parton's forthcoming 'Rockstar' LP...Robert Kinsler




What do John Fogerty, Ann Wilson (Heart), Sting (The Police), Debbie Harry (Blondie), Elton John, Peter Frampton, Steve Perry (Journey) and Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney have in common? 

Those legendary notables are among the parade of guests on country music icon Dolly Parton's forthcoming album Rockstar (set for release on Nov. 17, 2023).

Of particular interest to classic rock fans is cover of “Freebird,” meanwhile, features posthumous vocals from Ronnie Van Zant and guitar work from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Gary Rossington, who passed away in March 2023.

Said Parton in an official statement about this record, her first so-called “rock” album:

“I’m so excited to finally present my first rock and roll album Rockstar! I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”

The first single, “World On Fire,” arrives on May 11, 2023.

The album’s track listing is truly impressive:

1. ‘Rockstar’ (special guest Richie Sambora)
2. ‘World on Fire’
3. ‘Every Breath You Take’ (feat. Sting)
4. ‘Open Arms’ (feat. Steve Perry)
5. ‘Magic Man’ (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
6. ‘Long As I Can See The Light’ (feat. John Fogerty)
7. ‘Either Or’ (feat. Kid Rock)
8. ‘I Want You Back’ (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
9. ‘What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You’ (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
10. ‘Purple Rain’
11. ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ (feat. Peter Frampton)
12. ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
13. ‘Night Moves’ (feat. Chris Stapleton)
14. ‘Wrecking Ball’ (feat. Miley Cyrus)
15. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
16. ‘Keep On Loving You’ (feat. Kevin Cronin)
17. ‘Heart Of Glass’ (feat. Debbie Harry)
18. ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ (feat. Elton John)
19. ‘Tried To Rock And Roll Me’ (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
20. ‘Stairway To Heaven’ (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
21. ‘We Are The Champions’
22. ‘Bygones’ (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
23. ‘My Blue Tears’ (feat. Simon Le Bon)
24. ‘What’s Up?’ (feat. Linda Perry)
25. ‘You’re No Good’ (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
26. ‘Heartbreaker’ (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
27. ‘Bittersweet’ (feat. Michael McDonald)
28. ‘I Dreamed’ About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
29. ‘Let It Be’ (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
30. ‘Free Bird’ (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Ann Wilson releases stratospheric version of Queen’s ‘Love of My Life’ in duet with Vince Gill; new album, 'Fierce Bliss', nears release

News on singer-songwriter Ann Wilson; the artist's forthcoming album 'Fierce Bliss' is coming soon...Robert Kinsler




RELEASES STRATOSPHERIC VERSION OF
QUEEN’S ‘LOVE OF MY LIFE’
IN DUET WITH VINCE GILL
 
NEW ALBUM, FIERCE BLISS, NEARS RELEASE
 
COVER ART BY ROGER DEAN
FIERCE BLISS IS AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION

April 20, 2022 – Ann Wilson releases the breathtaking rendition of Queen’s “Love of My Life,” featuring vocals from Vince Gill.  Taken from Wilson’s forthcoming album, Fierce Bliss, out April 29 via Silver Lining Music.
 
“‘Love of My Life’ is a beautiful song about endless love. It was my honor to duet with Vince Gill on this song; an unforgettable experience for which I’m grateful!” – Ann Wilson
 
Wilson has always enjoyed bringing new life and verve to classic songs, and with Queen’s ‘Love of My Life’ she has helped fashion a definitive version which stands toe-to-toe with the original.
 
“I had the idea for the Queen song ‘Love of My Life’ as a duet, so I just tried to picture who would be ‘the male angel’ that would sing the other part of it,” explains Wilson. “I thought how great the song would be if it was stripped down and just sung with soul, and it had to be Vince Gill because he’s got that voice, that soul.”

Listen To/Watch ‘Love of My Life’ here

Wilson’s rendition of Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs” is another spectacular take on the classic featuring on Fierce Bliss.

“‘Bridge of Sighs’ in my opinion is the best blues song ever written,” offers Wilson. “That’s really saying something because it’s the vastness of the blues world, but this song is about true existential dread. It isn’t just you’re hurt because you lost your boyfriend or girlfriend, you’re on the edge of the abyss.”
 
“I like stuff that goes all the way,” Wilson continues. “I’m one of these people that halfway is not good enough. So, with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, one of the coolest monster guitar players around, it just made so much sense, and he tore it up. One of the most rewarding things for me as a singer, to not be hurried. The best singers are the ones who can sing ballads and really make it work, because you don’t have to be a genius to be a rock shouter or sing rock songs. But that ballad, where it’s slowed down or stopped and you’re center stage with the spotlight? Every little nuance is important, and I think that’s what “Bridge of Sighs” was for me.”

One of the premier hard rock vocalists of all-time, Wilson smashed boundaries with her band Heart, the 8-times Platinum, 35 million-plus selling Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trailblazers who formed in 1973. During a decades-long career, Wilson rode the roller coaster of fame, fortune and madness, learning both joyous and hard, hard lessons along the way.  Fast forward to the summer of 2020 and a road-trip with her husband (all aboard a rented tour bus with protocols observed!) saw Wilson in the Bay Area, where she ran into the legendary veteran ‘artist’s lawyer’ Brian Rohan; it was the catalyst for Fierce Bliss’s creation.
 
Fierce Bliss is not just an album for fans of Ann Wilson and Heart, it is an album for everyone seeking a lavish ticket out of the sharp edges of an increasingly fraught society. Fierce Bliss also marks perhaps the first time in her illustrious career that Ann Wilson has truly felt the wind in her wings, something which might seem a strange statement given her pioneering history.
 

To cap it all, the album artwork comes from the mind and hands of celebrated fantasy artist Roger Dean, who aside from his work in fantasy art is also renowned for his Yes sleeve artwork.
 
“I love Relayer (Gates of Delirium) painted with almost no colour and other works with equal power and equally restricted pallets, however, sometimes I just love to let go.  With Fierce Bliss there is a strong psychedelic current flowing throughout, something that I love but don’t do often enough. Mike Inns helped to keep the psychedelic presence intense especially with the Parrots and made sure that we got this over the line intact. It was great fun working on this.” – Roger Dean
 
Fierce Bliss will be released April 29, 2022 via Silver Lining Music and is available to pre-order now on CD Casebound Book (deluxe package), Vinyl and Digital formats here
 
Listen to recently released “Greed”, the chart-topping singles “Missionary Man” and “A Moment in Heaven” at this location
 
Wilson will soon be hitting the road with her new band, and make no mistake, she’s a performer at heart thus her excitement is palpable. Tickets for ‘AN EVENING WITH ANN WILSON OF HEART & THE AMAZING DAWGS’ can be purchased at this location; more dates to be announced soon:
 
MAY 4 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
MAY 5 - Napa, CA - The Uptown Theatre
MAY 7 - Pala, CA - Pala Casino Spa & Resort
MAY 9/10 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
MAY 13 - Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena (with Journey)
MAY 16 - Quebec City, QC - Centre Videotron (with Journey)
MAY 24 - Tulsa, OK - The Church Studio
JUNE 8 - Nashville, IN - Brown Country Music Centre
JUNE 11 - Peachtree City, GA - Fred Amphitheater
JUNE 13/14 - Nashville, TN - Basement East
JUN 16 - Tampa, FL - Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
JUN 17 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Parker Playhouse
JUNE 24 - Joliet, IL - ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium
JUNE 25 - Milwaukee, WI - Summerfest
JUNE 30 - Detroit, MI - Jazz Cafe Music Hall
JULY 1 – Cincinnati, OH - Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
JULY 3 - Woodstock, IL - McHenry County Fairgrounds
JULY 21 - Beverly, MA - The Cabot
JULY 23 - Webster, MA - Indian Ranch
JULY 26 - New York, NY - Sony Hall
JULY 27 - Port Chester, NY - Capitol Theatre
JULY 29 - Atlantic City, NJ - Borgata
JULY 30 - Floyd, VA - FloydFest
AUG 31 - Costa Mesa, CA - The Pacific Amphitheatre
SEPT 2 - Puyallup, WA - Washington State Fair
 
Fierce Bliss Track Listing:
  1. Greed
  2. Black Wing
  3. Bridge of Sighs
  4. Fighten for Life
  5. Love of My Life (feat. Vince Gill)
  6. Missionary Man
  7. Gladiator
  8. Forget Her
  9. A Moment in Heaven
  10. Angel’s Blues*
  11. As the World Turns
*Available on CD and digital formats only
 
Ann Wilson - Vocals
Tom Bukovac - Guitar
Tony Lucido - Bass
Sean T Lane - Drums, Percussion & Bike
Gordon Mote - Keyboards
Tim Lauer - Keyboards
 
Produced by Ann Wilson and Tom Bukovac
“Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues” produced by Ann Wilson and Warren Haynes
 
Mixed by Chuck Ainlay
Recorded by Chuck Ainlay at Fame Studios, Muscle Shoals, AL and Soundstage, Nashville, TN
“Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues” recorded by Joe Paterno at Power Station, Waterford, CT
“Black Wing” Recorded by Sean Walker at Uberbeatz, Lynnwood, WA
Mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound, Edgewater, NJ
Executive Producer Jim Zumwalt
 
Musicians who appear on Fierce Bliss:
Vocals - Vince Gill on “Love of My Life”
Lead Guitar - Kenny Wayne Shepherd on “Bridge of Sighs” and “Missionary Man”
Guitar - Warren Haynes on “Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues”
Guitar - Tyler Boley on “Black Wing”
Keyboards - Danny Louis on “Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues”
Keyboards - Dan Walker on “Black Wing”
Bass - Jorgen Carlsson on “Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues”
Bass - Andy Stoller on “Black Wing”
Drums - Matt Abts on “Gladiator” and “Angel’s Blues”
Choir - The Rev Nathan Young Singers on “Missionary Man”
 
 


 
“Love of My Life” lyric video:
 
“A Moment In Heaven” lyric video:
 
“Greed” official video:
 
“Missionary Man” pseudo video:
 
FIERCE BLISS buy link:

Friday, July 30, 2021

Judy Collins, Jack Bruce, Ann Wilson and John Wetton lead a team of legends covering The Beatles on new collection

A who's who of greats pays tribute to The Beatles on a new collection available on audio CD and limited-edition color vinyl...Robert Kinsler




JUDY COLLINS, JACK BRUCE, ANN WILSON & JOHN WETTON Lead A Team Of Legends Covering THE BEATLES On A New Collection!

Also includes performances by Air Supply, Molly Hatchet, Glenn Hughes, Steve Morse, Andrew Gold, Howard Jones, Richard Page and more!

Los Angeles, CA - While the world waits for Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s highly anticipated documentary on The Beatles, the return of Beatlemania is getting kick started with a brand new collection of Beatle cover tunes recorded by an incredible host of rock, pop and folk icons and superstars! Legends Play The Beatles showcases the extraordinary influence the Fab Four had across a broadly diverse array of artists from ‘60s folk icon Judy Collins to former Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes to ‘80s sensation Howard Jones. Each of these artists bring their unique talents to bear on such timeless Beatles’ classics as “Here Comes The Sun,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Let It Be,” “Across The Universe,” “Tomorrow Never Knows” and many more!

Legends Play The Beatles is available both on CD in a fantastic looking digipak and on limited-edition colored vinyl in your choice of either YELLOW or BLUE!

Order the CD/vinyl HERE 

Track List:
1. Here Comes The Sun - Richard Page & Steve Morse
2. Across The Universe - Ann Wilson
3. Penny Lane - John Wetton
4. Back In The USSR - Molly Hatchet
5. Norwegian Wood - Andrew Gold
6. The Long And Winding Road - Air Supply
7. Tomorrow Never Knows - Electric Moon
8. Rain - Sugar Candy Mountain
9. Eleanor Rigby - Jack Bruce
10. And I Love Her - Howard Jones
11. Yesterday - Judy Collins
12. Let It Be - Glenn Hughes


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Monday, May 24, 2021

New Music: Micky Dolenz, Chrissie Hynde, Tribute to Pink Floyd's 'Wish You Were Here', The Daybreaks, Thundermother

A trio of highly-anticipated full-length tributes take center stage in my latest column, while a wonderful reissue of Heart singer Ann Wilson's earliest band The Daybreaks and a deluxe edition of a relatively-recent album from a rising Swedish hard rock band are also definitely worth discovering.


Artist: 
Micky Dolenz
Title: Dolenz Sings Nesmith (7a Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Monkees, Traffic, The Zombies
Tell me more: The Monkees' amazing 55-year story continues with the long-awaited release of Dolenz Sings Nesmith, a 14-song set where lead vocalist Micky Dolenz covers top-tier material penned by Michael Nesmith. Dolenz – who sang many of the Monkees' most beloved hits (including "Last Train to Clarksville," "Pleasant Valley Sunday," "Mary, Mary" and "Randy Scouse Git") – revisits a slew of great songs from his good friend and the band's most notable songwriter; these are songs that were previously sung by Nesmith with the Monkees or via his subsequent solo career, and all receive decidedly different arrangements courtesy of Michael Nesmith's son Christian Nesmith (who produced the essential set recorded between September 2020 and February 2021). "Different Drum" (a hit for Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys in 1967) receives an upbeat, harmonica-adorned romp. The explosive Americana-styled "Propinquity (I've Just Begun to Care)" is an exuberant celebration of love that showcases Dolenz's signature vocals (which sound as great as ever). Equally powerful but tapping into '60s garage rock stylings is the driving "Little Red Rider." Other standouts abound on "Dolenz Sings Nesmith"; the beautiful acoustic gem "Only Bound," joyful Indian classical-flavored "Circle Sky," shimmering "Marie's Theme" and countrified "Don't Wait for Me." The audio CD version comes with a bonus track and includes a 36-page color booklet. Information: 7arecords.com.


Artist: 
Chrissie Hynde
Title: Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Chrissie Hynde, Bob Dylan, The Pretenders
Tell me more: There is a reason that Bob Dylan – who celebrates his 80th birthday on May 24, 2021 – is one of the most celebrated and covered songwriters in the history of modern music; his songs have a poetry, timelessness and literate power that is instantly palpable. Listening to the majestic Standing in the Doorway: Chrissie Hynde Sings Bob Dylan is to celebrate the art of Robert Zimmerman's brilliance with the added bonus of singer-guitarist Chrissie Hynde bringing her own signature vocal style and interpretive firepower to the nine-track collection. Assisted by Pretenders lead guitarist James Walbourne, this is an acoustic-styled project that allows the power of the songs to breathe and reveal increasingly-profound layers with each listen. Hynde's album veers away from Dylan's best known material and instead explores favorite, mostly lesser-known songs that have connected with her more deeply. The gorgeous "Love Minus Zero / No Limit," inspired blues-heavy "Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight," haunting "Blind Willie McTell," poignant "Sweetheart Like You" and reflective title track shine on one of the most distinguished titles of the first half of 2021. Information: ChrissieHynde.com.


Artists: 
Todd Rundgren, Geoff Tate, Rod Argent, Steve Hackett, Bootsy Collins, Carmine Appice, Ian Paice, more
Title: Still Wish You Were Here (Purple Pyramid Records / Cleopatra Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Pink Floyd, Yes, Rick Wakeman, King Crimson, progressive rock, classic rock
Tell me more: Pink Floyd's 1975 studio album Wish You Were Here obviously has its musical admirers. On the new full-length tribute to the album ("Still Wish You Were Here"), a who's who of rock greats contribute to revisiting the masterwork in its entirety. On the expansive opener "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5)," singer Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), guitarist Steve Hackett (Genesis), keyboardist Geoff Downes (Yes, ASIA), drummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple), flautist-saxophonist Mel Collins (King Crimson) and bassist Billy Sheehan join forces to bring the dreamy selection fully to life. On the forceful "Welcome to the Machine," singer-guitarist Todd Rundgren, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and bassist Tony Levin elevate the atmospheric favorite. The genre-blending rock track "Have a Cigar" spotlights the talents of Dream Theater singer James LaBrie, guitar great Steve Stevens, former Moody Blues keyboardist Patrick Moraz, drummer Rat Scabies (of The Damned) and bassist Jah Wobble (Public Image Ltd). Singer-guitarist Rik Emmett (of Triumph), guitar hero Joe Satriani, former Megadeath bassist David Ellefson, drummer Carmine Appice and the late multi-instrumentalist Edgar Froese (of Tangerine Dream fame) conjure up the magic of the beloved title track. The ambitious "Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 6-9)" closes out the ambitious tribute, with keyboardist-vocalist Rod Argent (of The Zombies), groundbreaking guitarist Steve Hillage, dummer Ian Paice (Deep Purple) and bassist Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic) adding a fiery approach to the track.  Despite the army of diverse talents who share the spotlight across Still Wish You Were Here, there is a cohesive and artful flow that makes for a special listen. Still Wish You Were Here is available on audio CD in a beautiful six-panel deluxe digipak as well as a gorgeous gatefold vinyl in a variety of colors. Information: CleopatraRecords.com.


Artist: 
The Daybreaks
Title: The Daybreaks (TAWT)
You might like if you enjoy: Ann Wilson, Heart, Linda Ronstadt
Tell me more: Before Ann Wilson formed the band Heart with her sister (guitarist Nancy Wilson), the singer got her start in the late '60s with The Daybreaks. Now an EP of previously-unheard recordings from The Daybreaks has been released by Wilson . A fascinating and enjoyable listen, the EP includes the uptempo '60s-mining "Through Eyes and Glass," evocative chamber pop ballad "Standing Watching You," the bluesy "I'm Gonna Drink My Hurt Away" and Americana "Wonder How I Managed." Wilson's signature soprano carries the day across the four-song set. The four tracks are available digitally now; a limited edition 10-inch vinyl with a digital redemption code is available for pre-order. Information: AnnWilson.com.


Artist: 
Thundermother
Title: Heat Wave / Deluxe Edition (AFM Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Heart, Scorpions, Lita Ford, AC/DC, The Pretty Reckless
Tell me more: When it comes to the sound of '70s and '80s hard rock, things have come full circle in 2021 resulting in the explosion of interest in young bands including American outfits Dirty Honey, The Record Company, the Pretty Reckless and Greta Van Fleet. Add to that list growing acclaim for an all-female rock quartet from Sweden, Thundermother. The band's most recent album, Heat Wave, was released in July 2020 and did so well around the world that AFM Records released an expanded edition of the album that includes 10 previously-unreleased tracks along with the original track listing. This is a band whose ferocious sound and tight musical chops recall a cross between Back in Black-era AC/DC and early Scorpions (just listen to lead singer Guernica Mancini whose vocals are the equal of a young Klaus Meine). The material here is not always aimed at exploring new ground but Thundermother's hard-edged rock attack is so infectious the band's sound can't be denied. Highlights include the AC/DC-styled "Dog From Hell" and "Ghosts" (guitarist Filippa Nässil's fret work often recalls Angus Young), head-banging "Back in '76," rapid-fire heavy metal charge "Into The Mud" (showcasing the rhythm section of drummer Emlee Johansson and bassist Majsan Lindberg), the textured rock ballad "Sleep," and scorching "Driving In Style." The blues-rock original "Purple Sky" and meteoric melodic rocker "The Road Is Ours" are noteworthy for pushing the band's sound forward. The bonus tracks (a mix of live cuts, acoustic demos and studio recordings) are all essential. Information: Thundermother.com.


Robert Kinsler


Monday, February 11, 2019

Heart set to return to the road in 2019

News item of the day isn't who was wearing what at the Grammys last night. Read on music friends...


HEART
RETURN TO THE ROAD IN 2019
FOR MASSIVE "LOVE ALIVE" SUMMER TOUR INCLUDING HOLLYWOOD BOWL DATE!

JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS, SHERYL CROW AND
BRANDI CARLILE SET TO JOIN HEART FOR SELECT DATES

Heart performing at the Honda Center in Anaheim in February 2012.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

ELLE KING TO OPEN MOST SHOWS

TICKETS GO ON SALE STARTING THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019



HEART--ANN and NANCY WILSON--will return to the road in 2019 for the first time in three years with their massive "Love Alive" cross-country summer tour.Produced by Live Nation, the expansive 39-city outing by the trend-setting, multiple-platinum Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends kicks off Tuesday, July 9 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, MO and will make stops in Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Denver and more, before wrapping September 9 at the famous Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA.
HEART is excited to be joined by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Sheryl Crow and Brandi Carlile on the road with them this summer. Along with the stellar line-up, also appearing are Elle King and Lucie Silvas. See full itinerary and details below for a breakdown of which shows these artists will be appearing on with HEART.
Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 15 at10:00 AM local time at LiveNation.com.* Citi is the official presale credit card for the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets beginning Wednesday, February 13 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, February 14 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi's Private Pass program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. *Toronto on sale starting at 9:00 AM. local time, St. Louis on sale starting at 11:00 AM local time.
HEART will partner with REVERB for this tour, to reduce the environmental footprint of the events while also engaging fans in local and national causes each night in the concourse. For more information, visit REVERB.org.
Q&A WITH
ANN AND NANCY WILSON OF HEART, 2019
Congratulations on the news of the upcoming tour. What inspired you to name it "Love Alive"?
ANN: "Love Alive" is a song and a sentiment that goes back a long way with us. It goes forward too. It is a hopeful, positive and universal vibe like we feel this tour will be.
NANCY: Yes! I think the tour will spark some positive new energy as we rediscover some of our iconic songs and also some fan favorites. Calling the tour "Love Alive" was something Ann and I felt instantly good about. We have always had many love-themed mottos along the way like "Love Rules," "Love Wins," "Love is IT"--and of course it's a very cool song as well.
This will mark Heart's first tour in three years. During this time, you both released your own projects. Do you feel your time apart will inject Heart with a new energy?
NANCY:Yes, I could see it was time for Heart to have a break. We'd been slogging through tour after tour fairly nonstop and were starting to burn out a little bit. Things had just reached a heavy climax. Working with my other new band Roadcase Royale was a life-saver. Writing brand new songs playing shows and delivering a new album with them was the medicine my soul needed. Ryan Waters (who with Liv Warfield worked in Prince's band) will be joining me on the Heart stage and I know that will inject a wonderful magic into the Heart equation.
ANN: Absolutely! Both Nancy and I have stretched our wings in life these last three years. We've both lived and loved. We have breathed and traveled and experienced life. We come to this tour with fresh energy and oxygen.
Might this year's tour be different in any way than the 2016 tour?
ANN: It will be unlike any other Heart tour that has been. Some of the songs will be classic of course, but this tour will be a new animal.
NANCY: I think this tour should look feel and sound bigger than other Heart tours so far.
What is the connective tissue between Heart and the other artists you've invited to tour with you?
NANCY: I think this year is a good year to show the collective impact of some powerful women in music. We would usually steer clear of the female-centric concept, but in the light of current events it seems like the right statement at the right time."
ANN: Sheryl and Joan we have known for a long time. We have hung out and appreciated each other's music onstage and off. Brandi Carlile is a fresh and authentic artist that we both love....and Elle King is my favorite new artist. She has so much soul and attitude! We are so thrilled to host all these artists on the "Love Alive" tour.
Heart has created a meaningful body of work with songs that are deeply woven into the culture. Can you describe the feeling of what it's like to perform these songs in front of longtime fans as well as new ones?
ANN: It feels good to see people's eyes light up when we play one of the classic songs they know and love. I always wonder how a song like "Crazy On You" hits the mind and soul of a 17-year-old in 2019...they seem to be as into it live as everyone else. When I think of the connection we continue to have with our very diverse audience, I am deeply grateful and always amazed!
NANCY: It's an incredible feeling and a great compliment to see our loyal fans and the new generation of Heart fans at the shows. It speaks to the songs as well as giving a bigger sense of history to the younger ones. It's authentic live music with no added prerecorded or auto tuned vocals or tracks blended in. No bells or whistles, smoke or mirrors. I think in many ways that's a whole new thing for young kids who love music and they know the difference and appreciate it. It's completely real.
HEART "LOVE ALIVE" 2019 TOUR DATES
DATE
CITY
VENUE
Tue
7/9
St. Louis, MO +&
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thu
7/11
Chicago, IL +&
Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sun
7/14
Toronto, ON +#
Budweiser Stage
Tue
7/16
Montreal, QC +#
Centre Bell
Wed
7/17
Mansfield, MA +#
Xfinity Center
Sat
7/20
Hartford, CT +#
Xfinity Theatre
Sun
7/21
Saratoga Springs, NY +&
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Tue
7/23
Bangor, ME +#
Darling's Waterfront Pavilion
Wed
7/24
Gilford, NH +#
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
Fri
7/26
Darien Center, NY ^#
Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sat
7/27
Cincinnati, OH #
Riverbend Music Theater
Mon
7/29
Bethel, NY +#
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Tue
7/30
Syracuse, NY +#
St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
Thu
8/1
Burgettstown, PA ^#
KeyBank Pavilion
Fri
8/2
Camden, NJ ^#
BB&T Pavilion
Sun
8/4
Cleveland, OH ^#
Blossom Music Theater
Mon
8/5
Detroit, MI ^#
DTE Energy Music Pavilion
Wed
8/7
Indianapolis, IN ^#
Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Thu
8/8
Nashville, TN ^#
Ascend Amphitheater
Sat
8/10
Raleigh, NC ^#
Coastal Credit Union Music Park
Sun
8/11
Virginia Beach, VA ^#
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
Tue
8/13
Columbia, MD ^#
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Wed
8/14
Charlotte, NC ^#
PNC Music Pavilion
Fri
8/16
West Palm Beach, FL #
Coral Sky Amphitheater
Sat
8/17
Tampa, FL ^#
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater
Mon
8/19
Atlanta, GA %#
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Tue
8/20
Birmingham, AL %#
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
Thu
8/22
Houston, TX ^#
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Fri
8/23
Dallas, TX #
Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun
8/25
Albuquerque, NM ^#
Isleta Amphitheater
Tue
8/27
Chula Vista, CA ^#
North Island Credit Union Amphitheater
Wed
8/28
Phoenix, AZ ^#
Ak-Chin Pavilion
Thu
8/30
Salt Lake City, UT
USANA Amphitheater
Sat
8/31
Denver, CO ^#
Pepsi Center
Tue
9/3
Portland, OR ^#
Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
Wed
9/4
Tacoma, WA ^#
Tacoma Dome
Fri
9/6
Concord, CA ^#
Concord Pavilion
Sun
9/8
Las Vegas, NV ^
Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Mon
9/9
Hollywood, CA ^#
Hollywood Bowl
+with Sheryl Crow
^with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
&Lucie Silvas opening
#Elle King opening
%with Brandi Carlile
###

About HEART:
When Ann and Nancy Wilson formed HEART, the idea of two women leading a rock band was still groundbreaking. From the moment 1976's Dreamboat Anniewas released, they became stars. With hits like "Magic Man," "Crazy On You," "Barracuda," "Alone," "What About Love," and "These Dreams," the band became one of the biggest hit-makers in the seventies and eighties selling more than 35 million records. In 2012, their memoir Kicking & Dreaming: A Story of Heart, Soul and Rock & Roll became a New York Times bestseller, and in 2013 the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Joan Jett
Photo credit: 
Roger Erickson
About JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS:
Joan Jett is an originator, an innovator, and a visionary. As the leader of the hard- rocking Blackhearts, with whom she has become a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, she's had eight platinum and gold albums and nine Top 40 singles, including the classics "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock 'N' Roll," "I Hate Myself For Loving You," and "Crimson and Clover." Her independent record label, Blackheart Records, was founded in 1980 after she was rejected by no less than 23 labels. Blackheart is one of the longest running indie labels and continues to give voice to new bands. Jett has acted in movies and television, including 1987's Light Of Day, and in a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, The Rocky Horror Show. She has appeared on such acclaimed television shows as Oprah (the last season) and Law and Order.
As a producer, she has overseen albums by Bikini Kill, Circus Lupus, as well as the Germs' LA punk masterpiece, GI.
Her music has become a permanent force in mainstream culture. A version of "I Hate Myself for Loving You" was reworked for NBC's Sunday Night Football theme song, "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night", and was performed for 9 seasons by the likes of Pink, Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood. Her music is heard in countless films and TV shows including Easy - A, Kick Ass, The Runaways, Shrek, Baby Mama, and many more.
Since co-founding the Runaways, the pioneering all-girl punk quintet, at age 15, Jett's determination and drive have kept her in the public eye. Jett was able to see her story told in The Runaways, the film based on (lead singer of The Runaways) Cherie Currie's book Neon Angel starring Kristen Stewart as Jett, and her fellow A-lister Dakota Fanning as Currie. Jett was close to the project: She served as an executive producer. Jett and the Blackhearts released their latest record, 'Unvarnished,' in 2013 and continue touring the globe to throngs of adoring fans.
Joan Jett has spent her lifetime breaking barriers and challenging expectations - this is, after all, a woman who is both a spokesperson for PETA and a devoted supporter of the US Military. She's fought hard for all of her historic accomplishments, yet she remains humble and appreciative.
"I've had a blessed career," she says. "I consider myself so lucky to have been able to do things my own way."
About SHERYL CROW:
A nine-time GRAMMY AWARD recipient, Sheryl Crow is an American music icon. Her nine studio albums have sold 35 million copies worldwide; seven of them charted in the Top 10 and five were certified for Multi-Platinum sales. In addition to such No. 1 hits as "All I Wanna Do," "Soak Up the Sun" and "The First Cut Is the Deepest," Crow has lofted 40 singles into the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Top 40, Adult Contemporary, Mainstream Top 40 and Hot Country Songs charts, with more No. 1 singles in the Triple A listings than any other female artist. Many artists have collaborated with her on special projects, including the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Smokey Robinson and Tony Bennett. She is known as well for her passionate support of multiple charities, including City Of Hope, Stand Up To Cancer, The World Food Program, Feeding America, ADOPT A CLASSROOM, the TJ Martell Foundation, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, MusiCares, the Special Olympics and many other worthy causes. Her most recent studio album, Be Myself, was released in 2017, followed by the live Blu-Ray/CD Live At The Capitol Theater in fall 2018. A brand-new full length studio album featuring collaborations with a stunning array of Crow's musical heroes is scheduled for release in 2019. For more information, visit www.SherylCrow.com
About BRANDI CARLILE:
The most nominated woman at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, Brandi Carlile is currently celebrating a monumental year following the release of her breakthrough album, By The Way, I Forgive You. Nominated for Album Of The Year as well as Best Americana Album, the record features the stand out single, "The Joke," which is nominated in four categories: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best American Roots Song and Best American Roots Performance. Carlile performed during the live GRAMMY broadcast (Sunday, February 10).
Produced by GRAMMY-Award winning producer Dave Cobb and Shooter Jenningsand recorded at Nashville's historic RCA Studio A, By The Way, I Forgive You includes ten new songs written by Carlile and longtime collaborators and bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth.
Beloved by fans and critics alike, Carlile has performed sold-out concerts across the world and has appeared on various TV shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show, etc. She will continue her extensive tour through 2019 including a special birthday performance at Quincy, WA's The Gorge Amphitheater on June 1 as well as a debut headline performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden on September 14. Full tour details available at www.brandicarlile.com.

Elle King headlining at the NAMM Show
in Anaheim on January 26, 2019.
Photo: Bob Steshetz
About ELLE KING:
Multi-platinum and multi-Grammy-nominated recording artist Elle King recently released her critically-acclaimed second album, Shake The Spirit, the follow up to her debut album Love Stuff, a sultry, badass mix of rock and roll, blues, and country, with a twinge of pop. Her breakthrough single "Ex's & Oh's," earned her two GRAMMY nominations and was certified double platinum. The track, about leaving behind a string of brokenhearted exes, hit No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs Chart, and topped the AAA, Hot AC, and Alternative Radio charts, leading King to become the second female artist in 18 years to reach No. 1 at the latter format. She was also featured on Dierks Bentley's GRAMMY-nominated No. 1 Country Airplay hit "Different For Girls" (she performed it with Bentley at the CMA Awards and took home an award for "Musical Event of the Year"). King also performed for President Obama in honor of Mavis Staples at the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors.
Shake The Spirit features lead single "Shame," which became her fourth radio #1 single and led Elle to become the only act in history to have scored number 1 singles on the Adult Pop Songs, Adult Alternative Songs, Alternative Songs and Country Airplay charts. Her new single "Baby Outlaw,"  is currently Top 15 at AAA Radio.  Rolling Stone wrote of her Austin City Limits live set: "Elle King is a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, but ultimately, she's punk as fuck." Variety wrote of her Philadelphia Shake The Spirit tour date "...King churned the clotted cream of punkish country, raw R&B, crotchety rock and deep blues into rich, buttery musical drama with her band, The Brethren.. (she) belted, crooned, purred, sauntered and swaggered her way through a tautly rocking set...one thing became very clear: nearly every song that came before (the finale) was equally contagious, catty-cool, and hit-worthy."
Elle King has appeared on Good Morning America, Late Show With Stephen Colbert, Live with Kelly and Ryan, and The Late Late Show with James Corden in support of her new album Shake The Spirit. Visit www.elleking.com for more.
About LIVE NATION ENTERTAINMENT:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world's leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.