Heart’s Wilson Sisters Broaden Their Horizons With Children’s Book

You may know them as the rocking sisters of the veteran rock act Heart, but sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are set to make a name for themselves as authors as well. They are in the process of finishing up work on a children’s book that is based on their 1978 album Dog & Butterfly. Admittedly not one of my favorite Heart albums, but it does sound like a great inspiration for a children’s book.

Ann and Nancy Wilson may be writing a book, but that does not mean they have any career-changing plans. They are also in the process of working on a new album, although they are uncertain about its completion date.

“We’re recording with just a real woodshed, small acoustic element, people playing together at the same time and (in) the same room — like what they used to call a hootenanny,” Nancy Wilson says. “There’s no ProTools feel to it at all. We’re just sitting around playing guitars together and going for a performance that is on the spot.”

That’s the kind of talk I lake to hear coming from Heart, since I think that is the kind of environment where they really shine. Their 1976 album, Dreamboat Annie, which remains one of my favorite albums of all time, was recorded on a 16-track Ampex tape machine coupled with a used tube-driven console that was purchased from United Studios who was in the process of upgrading their own consoles to the newer solid-state versions at the time.

The sound they coaxed out of that old set-up over thirty years ago amazes me to this day. One of the best-sounding albums I have ever heard. That’s what makes Wilson’s comments about keeping the process of recording the new album simple so intriguing.

Returning to the present day and getting back to the new album, Nancy Wilson reports that they have about eight songs that they are really pleased with and that three basic tracks have been recorded so far. It’s interesting to note that in addition to recording in Los Angeles, some recording has been done in various hotel rooms during the course of the group’s tours. I’m very interested to find out what a new Heart album will sound like.

Some of the material from the new album may be debuted live this summer. Heart is scheduled for a number of dates into September, including nine shows they are opening for Journey.

Thanks to Billboard for the news.

Tags: Ann, Children's Book, Heart, Nancy, New Album, tour, Wilson

Wilson Sisters To Share More Vocal Duties on Next Heart Album

For decades most fans have likely envisioned Ann Wilson as the vocal powerhouse behind the sound of Heart, and rightfully so. Ann has served as the lead vocalist since the beginning, and has made a name for herself as one of the best female rock vocalists of all time.

These days Ann and her sister Nancy — who is no vocal slouch herself and is also a fine guitarist – are  planning some changes for their next new album, which the group has already begun working on. This time, they are experimenting with more harmonies, a development that does not seem to bother Nancy at all.

“It’s just a way of reinventing, and having more fun, and taking some of the pressure off of Ann as a singer,” she told Reuters during a recent interview.

She also went on to say that she really enjoys the chance to use her vocal talents when the opportunity presents itself, but adds that the material has to be a perfect fit for her voice.

The new album is scheduled to be released next summer, but since they are said to be taking their time on it, it’s hard to think that fans can be certain of a 2010 summer release. As for how the release will be done, that’s something they are currently thinking about.

They do not sound terribly satisfied with the way the release of their last album was handled by Capitol back in 2004 when they released  Jupiter’s Darling. Perhaps they will consider an exclusive deal with one of the big retailers – something we mentioned quite recently here, and seems to be working well for other veteran acts like the Eagles and AC/DC.

With eight tracks reportedly recorded so far, Heart returns to the studio in a few weeks to resume work. Also on their itinerary is a summer tour with fellow classic rockers Journey, which is probably keeping the group quite busy with rehearsals and other preparations. It’s clear that the Wilson sisters are not just sitting around and waiting to grow old, something their fan base is most likely very happy to see.

For the full story, visit Reuters.

Tags: Ann, Heart, Journey, Nancy, New Album, tour, Wilson

Wilson Sisters, Annie Lennox & Bono To Appear on ‘Idol Gives Back’

This year American Idol adds Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart to their lineup of performers for the program’s charitable event show known as “Idol Gives Back.”

Annie Lennox, whom I believe appeared on last year’s show is also scheduled to appear as well as Bono of U2 fame. I have not yet heard any additional classic rock names scheduled to appear on the program but there are expected to be additional announcements.

“Idol Gives Back” is described as “a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various U.S. and international charities.”

Last year the show helped raised $76 Million dollars for various charities that operate both here in the U.S. and in Africa.

The program is scheduled to air on the Fox Network on April 9.

Thanks to Heartlinker for the heads up.

Tags: Ann, Annie Lennox, Bono, Heart, Idol Gives Back, Nancy, Wilson