Heart performed live at the downtown Raleigh Amphitheater last night to a raucous crowd that had the pleasure of hearing classic Heart hits, a few new songs and two outstanding cover tunes. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson have fronted Heart for almost 35 years, but have maintained youthful appearances, along with voices that have aged very well and they still retain the ability to rock as hard as any band I have ever seen live.
The concert featured Heart classics, such as "Magic Man", "Alone", "These Dreams", "Crazy On You", "Barracuda" and "What About Love." Ann's vocals on "Crazy On You" and "Alone" were especially impressive and I loved that Nancy performed the instrumental "Silver Wheels" prior to the opening of "Crazy On You." From a musical perspective, "Barracuda" and "Magic Man" sounded almost exactly the same as the original album versions, only much louder, which is a good thing.
Lesser know, but equally good songs, such as the seldom heard "Heartless" were a highlight of the show. In addition, I thought the band was going to cover "Gimme Shelter", from The Rolling Stones, before breaking into the funky and underrated "Even it Up", which also ended with the sounds of "Gimme Shelter." While it was not an official "mash-up" it was an interesting way to combine the sounds of both songs. Furthermore, Heart achieved acoustic perfection with the classic "Dog & Butterfly", sounded funky again on "Straight On" and started the rocking show with "Cook With Fire", a song I had never heard live before.
Heart also played four new songs, from their forthcoming CD "Red Velvet Car", including "Hey You", with Nancy on lead vocals and the title track, which was accompanied by terrific animation featuring Ann and Nancy. Two other new songs, the vocally and lyrically strong "In the Cool" was outstanding and I enjoyed hearing it much better live than the recorded version and if "WTF" does not become a big hit for the band, then something is wrong. Their performance of that song was amazing!
The encore consisted of Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be", which I had never heard Heart perform before, and the band's incredible, rocking rendition of The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me." Overall, the concert was outstanding and I have no legitimate complaints. However, I would have loved to have heard "Mistral Wind" and "Sand."
In addition to Ann and Nancy Wilson, the band members include Debbie Shair on keyboard, Ben Smith on drums, Craig Bartok on guitar and Christian Attard on bass guitar. The opening act featured singer/songwriter Erick Baker, who hails from Knoxville, TN. His style is a throwback to the classic singer/songwriters of the the 1970's and he possesses a very strong voice, coupled with introspective lyrics about life, love and loss.
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Showing posts with label blog review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog review. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Heart Rocks AC
Here goes:
Open: Rockin' Cook with Fire from 1978's Dog And Butterfly release: (I would have chosen Kick It OUT! B+ or White Lightning & Wine A); C+
Rockin' version of Heartless! B+
Even it UP meshed with chords to Gimme Shelter WOW! A+++
Dog & Butterfly: Very funky syncopated clock-disney Peter Pan keyboard effects by Keyboardist Deb Shair blending this 70's rock ballad, very creative B+
New songs: Red Velvet Car; C+
W.T.F. B
Banging HITS! Crazy On You, Magic Man, Barracuda; A
Encore: Zeps' What Is And What Should Never Be/ The Who's Love Reign O'er Me A+
The Band: younger, hipper, VERY contemporary AND cool; A
Ann Wilson: Ageless; Crowd interaction good; STILL brings the goods, vocal range a gift from God; A+
Nancy Wilson: STILL looks awesome and is a powerful player A+
Energy: A+
Seating: CLOSE! Not a bad seat in the house at the intimate Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars! (sat low but too far right)* B-
Overall: The 35 year song history (hits) combined with a fresh, youthful band of musicians and styles really made me feel I was watching my first Heart concert at the Hartford Civic Center, 1978!
Grade: A
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Crazy On Them: Heart Plays Hammerstein Ballroom
To put this show in context, Ann Wilson joined Heart in 1972. Her sister Nancy joined two years later in 1974. In my ’70s formative years, I’ll admit I was I less interested in the “Magic Man” of Heart than I was the “Magic” Olivia Newton-John. There was an early clue, folks. But I appreciate the longevity and many incarnations the Seattle-based band has endured. Having evolved from ’70s folk-infused rockers, to ’80s power balladeers, ’90s acoustic indie rockers, and back to their rock ‘n roll roots in the ’00s, Heart enters its fourth decade with a brand new record, Red Velvet Car. While the band has been around for nearly 40 years, it’s seen many lineup changes (25 different musicians), but two members have remained constant, and are arguably two of the most influential women in rock, Ann and Nancy. Respect.
Tonight, Heart played Hammerstein Ballroom, packed full of kids ranging from 30 to 60. It was a fairly balanced evening of ’70s and ’80s hits and newer material near and dear to the Wilson sisters’ hearts. New songs “Hey You”, “WTF” and “Red Velvet Car” are all fine songs, but it’s the classics that the crowd really wanted to hear. “Straight On”, “Magic Man”, “Barracuda”, “Dog & Butterfly”, and my favorite, “Crazy On You” are such anthems of their day. Those five songs alone should get them an invitation to the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame.
But speaking of “Alone”, it’s their ’80s hits that I grew up with. During the show Ann referenced that decade with bittersweet trepidation. Rock purists said they sold out in the ’80s, and you’ll recall it was the time when Ann gained weight and was humiliated with those music videos that simply zoomed in on her face. A sad commentary on the state of our pop culture back then. Fortunately I think that’s changing because she’s still here. It’s about the voice and the music. Ann’s voice is a phenomenal gift, known for its unwavering consistency in the recording studio. Her stripped-down version of “Alone” that she performed was simply remarkable. At 60-years-old, she’s still slaying it.
“Never” was another showstopper Heart performed off their 1985 self-titled album, as well as their first Billboard No. 1 hit, “These Dreams”. What’s ironic is that gifted guitarist Nancy provided lead vocals on this song, not Ann. I read that she had a cold when she recorded this song back in the ’80s which is why the recorded version you know has that raspy edge to it. All in all, a good concert that showcased the mad musical talents of Nancy (guitar, autoharp, vocals) and Ann (flute, guitar, vocals). I just wish they would have performed, “What About Love”, “Nothin’ At All”, and “Who Will You Run To”. Where were those gems?
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Heart Live at the Hammerstein Ballroom
The Wilson sisters, Ann and Nancy, better known as Heart, played a sold out show at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom on August 3, 2010. Even though they’ve been around since 1973, they sounded and looked as great as they did when they first hit the scene 37 years ago!
In my dream scenario, I really wanted to hear “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Barracuda.” They must have read my mind because they played all three songs in a row! I naturally lost my mind. They also did covers of Led Zeppelin’s “What is and What Should Never Be” (and rocked the HELL out of it, I might add); The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” and played a snippet of “Gimme Shelter” by the Rolling Stones. Ann Wilson’s voice is a powerhouse and she sounds as good, if not better than she does on record. It’s no wonder that Heart are commonly referred to as the “female Led Zeppelin.”
They rocked hard for the entire show. They dipped into every decade of their back catalog and played 80′s smash hits such as “Never,” “Alone” and ”These Dreams.” The new songs from their upcoming album “Red Velvet Car,” which is released at the end of August 2010, were pretty good as well. They played the title track, a track called “Hey You,” which is not the Pink Floyd song, as well as a song called “WTF” which is about looking in the mirror and pondering “what the f–k was I thinking?!”
It’s a crime that Heart are not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because they were and are still amazing nearly 40 years later. A video of “What is and What Should Never Be” will be coming soon, so stay tuned. If they come to your town, you’d be a fool not to see these legends!
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Saturday, July 31, 2010
Giant Panther: Boston Review
Heart came whipping out of the gates with “Cook With Fire” from their 1978 LP Dog & Butterfly. As someone who loved that record, I really enjoyed that. “Heartless” was next and Heart hadn’t lost a step. Ann & Nancy Wilson still front the band and they sound as good as they ever have. As I have mentioned in my previous post on Heart, I kind of jumped off the bandwagon when they went to the ballads. I know the songs “Never” and “These Dreams,” which they played, but they were not what I loved about Heart. That said, the younger folks in the crowd sang those numbers at the top of their lungs while I grabbed a refreshment. I have to tell you, between Bad Company and Heart in the great outdoors, I had to bring my own towel to remain composed. It was another lovely 90 degree day here in Boston for most folks, but I look forward to those late summer early fall crisper nights of concert going. I have The Black Keys lined up tomorrow night and I hope the weather brings some relief. It’s hard to enjoy yourself when you are perspiring your brains out.
Heart’s set included what you might expect; “Crazy On You”? Check. “Barracuda”? Check. “Magic Man”? Yep. The three most overplayed Heart songs were played consecutively prior to their encore, but they all had life to them. I really didn’t mind. I got “Straight On,” which is one my favorites, but I was disappointed to see “Love Alive” from 1977′s Little Queen left off the set list. What I loved was a mash up of “Even It Out” and one of my all time favorite songs “Gimme Shelter” played almost simultaneously. I never would have thought that they would sound remotely alike, but Heart pulled it off and then some. I loved it. They slowed down “Even It Up” and mixed the verses during the performance. Pretty cool. Rape! Murder! It’s just a shot away. They did two covers for encores; “What is and What Should Never Be” by you know who and “Love Reign O’er Me” by The Who. During their migration to the stage the PA blared the intro to the Led Zeppelin classic “In The Light.” It’s enough to make an old timer wet himself I tell you…
Bottom Line? If you are thinking about catching this show in your town don’t hesitate. Both bands were high energy and played most of their hits. Heart had about five songs going I didn’t know, but that is something I expected because I haven’t bought any of their records since 1983 or so. I know they have a new record coming out and Wikipedia is tentatively calling it Red Velvet Car, but Heart still sounds like a million bucks if you were a fan of theirs in the 70′s. The same and more absolutely goes for Peter Frampton too. Go see them for yourself.
Heart’s set included what you might expect; “Crazy On You”? Check. “Barracuda”? Check. “Magic Man”? Yep. The three most overplayed Heart songs were played consecutively prior to their encore, but they all had life to them. I really didn’t mind. I got “Straight On,” which is one my favorites, but I was disappointed to see “Love Alive” from 1977′s Little Queen left off the set list. What I loved was a mash up of “Even It Out” and one of my all time favorite songs “Gimme Shelter” played almost simultaneously. I never would have thought that they would sound remotely alike, but Heart pulled it off and then some. I loved it. They slowed down “Even It Up” and mixed the verses during the performance. Pretty cool. Rape! Murder! It’s just a shot away. They did two covers for encores; “What is and What Should Never Be” by you know who and “Love Reign O’er Me” by The Who. During their migration to the stage the PA blared the intro to the Led Zeppelin classic “In The Light.” It’s enough to make an old timer wet himself I tell you…
Bottom Line? If you are thinking about catching this show in your town don’t hesitate. Both bands were high energy and played most of their hits. Heart had about five songs going I didn’t know, but that is something I expected because I haven’t bought any of their records since 1983 or so. I know they have a new record coming out and Wikipedia is tentatively calling it Red Velvet Car, but Heart still sounds like a million bucks if you were a fan of theirs in the 70′s. The same and more absolutely goes for Peter Frampton too. Go see them for yourself.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Casino Rama Review
Ann and Nancy can still kick some rock'n'roll ass. It's a small group of women who have been able to hold their own in the male-dominated group category. Joan Jett comes to mind. Chrissy Hynde, even with the testosterone laden band. Patti Smith. This is not fluff and the ladies are not poseurs. They've been on a massive year long tour that started late in January and runs through to the end of September. Impressive, as the girls start to celebrate b'days in the more advanced range.
They are on the road a month ahead of the release of their first album in 6 years, Red Velvet Car. They debuted some tracks at Seattle's EMP this spring.
An excellent show. Ann's voice is really something and I'd argue she has more skill now than she did 30 years ago. Songs like Magic Man and Crazy on You are improved. Her inflection hints at a wealth of life experience she didn't have when she first sang these songs. There were a lot of highlights but if you want a short list; Alone and Crazy on You. Virtuoso performances.
On a side note it was refreshing to see women give women standing ovation after standing ovation, a real celebration of talent and survival.
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They are on the road a month ahead of the release of their first album in 6 years, Red Velvet Car. They debuted some tracks at Seattle's EMP this spring.
An excellent show. Ann's voice is really something and I'd argue she has more skill now than she did 30 years ago. Songs like Magic Man and Crazy on You are improved. Her inflection hints at a wealth of life experience she didn't have when she first sang these songs. There were a lot of highlights but if you want a short list; Alone and Crazy on You. Virtuoso performances.
On a side note it was refreshing to see women give women standing ovation after standing ovation, a real celebration of talent and survival.
Source
Lilith Fair San Francisco: I Heart Heart
Heart were one of the headliners at Lilith Fair along with Sarah McLachlan, Emmylou Harris and those two chicks formerly of the Dixie Chicks. Houndtooth Dog or some thing.
Heart was the one group I’d always wanted to see, but hadn’t quite gotten around to it. Our seats were phenomenal. I could feel Ann’s breath on me. Her vicious vibrato gave me goose bumps throughout nearly every song. Girlfriend whoops like a soul sister … and Nancy’s harmonies and guitar solos only added to the musical mayhem.
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Monday, July 19, 2010
Lilith Fair Minneapolis Reviews
Who's who at Lilith Fair
Heart, Seattle/Vancouver.
Ann Wilson, 60; Nancy Wilson, 56.
Latest album: "Red Velvet Car" (due Aug. 31).
Since the '70s, the Wilson sisters have been giving us the dog and butterfly of rock 'n' roll, playing it hard, soft and sexy.
Source
*please note the following review has a bit of crowd negativity in it. Just thought I'd let everyone know.
The Lilith audience started coming to life after a spirited alt-country hoedown by Court Yard Hounds (The Dixie Chicks minus the short one who famously dissed Bush) that culminated with "Ain't No Son" and some intense fiddling, meaning it was now time for sisterly duo Heart to take the stage. Nancy Wilson's grating guitar riffs wailed out on opening number "Barracuda," a stunning start to what would be a memorable 50 minutes.
Dressed in all black and looking years younger than 54 and 60, the ladies of Heart tore through "Straight On" and "Even It Up" -- the latter featuring an impromptu chorus from the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" -- and then launched into a 3-song mini-set of tracks from their new album, Red Velvet Car (debuting Aug. 31). Miffed, the audience sat. Some even had the nerve to yell "PLAY 'ALONE!' while Ann was introducing the songs and giving us backstory. But fans got their way, not before new tracks "WTF" ("About little talks you have with yourself when you've just screwed up"), and "Hey You." Though the duo's slowed, acoustic performance of "Alone" was not nearly as beastly as many surely expected, it truly showed off Ann's robust howl.
Heart finished with "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man" featuring live electronic effects from a distracting keyboardist whose gothic ensemble and plucky pigtails made her look like she was teleported straight out of Guitar Hero -- the only thing we could have done without. Our only wish unfulfilled: They didn't play "Never" or "Who Will You Run To", a small thing compared to witnessing these sisters show off their legendary rock n' roll prowess, something next pefromer Mary J. Blige said she was inspired by when watching Heart on MTV in the '80s.
Source
Heart. “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” “Even It Up” segueing into “Gimme Shelter,” “Alone” (this was not an “American Idol” moment), “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” – Ann Wilson’s voice sounded fabulous. It wasn’t all nostalgia. The three new songs from the forthcoming “Red Velvet Car” album proved that Heart still has a pulse. After hearing Ann again live, I think the Led Zeppelin guys should consider her as a fill-in for Robert Plant. Grade: A-minus.
Source
Heart, Seattle/Vancouver.
Ann Wilson, 60; Nancy Wilson, 56.
Latest album: "Red Velvet Car" (due Aug. 31).
Since the '70s, the Wilson sisters have been giving us the dog and butterfly of rock 'n' roll, playing it hard, soft and sexy.
Source
*please note the following review has a bit of crowd negativity in it. Just thought I'd let everyone know.
The Lilith audience started coming to life after a spirited alt-country hoedown by Court Yard Hounds (The Dixie Chicks minus the short one who famously dissed Bush) that culminated with "Ain't No Son" and some intense fiddling, meaning it was now time for sisterly duo Heart to take the stage. Nancy Wilson's grating guitar riffs wailed out on opening number "Barracuda," a stunning start to what would be a memorable 50 minutes.
Dressed in all black and looking years younger than 54 and 60, the ladies of Heart tore through "Straight On" and "Even It Up" -- the latter featuring an impromptu chorus from the Stones' "Gimme Shelter" -- and then launched into a 3-song mini-set of tracks from their new album, Red Velvet Car (debuting Aug. 31). Miffed, the audience sat. Some even had the nerve to yell "PLAY 'ALONE!' while Ann was introducing the songs and giving us backstory. But fans got their way, not before new tracks "WTF" ("About little talks you have with yourself when you've just screwed up"), and "Hey You." Though the duo's slowed, acoustic performance of "Alone" was not nearly as beastly as many surely expected, it truly showed off Ann's robust howl.
Heart finished with "Crazy On You" and "Magic Man" featuring live electronic effects from a distracting keyboardist whose gothic ensemble and plucky pigtails made her look like she was teleported straight out of Guitar Hero -- the only thing we could have done without. Our only wish unfulfilled: They didn't play "Never" or "Who Will You Run To", a small thing compared to witnessing these sisters show off their legendary rock n' roll prowess, something next pefromer Mary J. Blige said she was inspired by when watching Heart on MTV in the '80s.
Source
Heart. “Barracuda,” “Straight On,” “Even It Up” segueing into “Gimme Shelter,” “Alone” (this was not an “American Idol” moment), “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” – Ann Wilson’s voice sounded fabulous. It wasn’t all nostalgia. The three new songs from the forthcoming “Red Velvet Car” album proved that Heart still has a pulse. After hearing Ann again live, I think the Led Zeppelin guys should consider her as a fill-in for Robert Plant. Grade: A-minus.
Source
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Rockin' Out With Heart in San Fran
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