Recently there has been a deluge of new music released by many veteran artists, including Jethro Tull, Doobie Brothers, Rod Stewart, Sting, and Ted Nugent, to name a few. Add to the list singer and songwriter Ann Wilson of the band Heart. Wilson released her new solo album, Fierce Bliss, on April 29th and is currently touring with her band, the Amazing Dawgs. One of the tour stops was Pala Casino, California, where I had the good fortune of attending.
The band took to the stage one at a time and began the chunky guitar intro to the 1980 Heart classic “Even It Up” off their 5th studio album Bebe Le Strange. Ann came on stage, and after delivering the first verse, it was evident that Wilson’s power elite vocals have no expiration date. At 71 years young, this iconic vocalist still can bring down the house with her one-of-a-kind operatic inflection.
Next up was a “Black Wing” off her new LP. Wilson began with a graceful intonation that eventually erupted into her signature full lyric soprano wail. The song’s smooth melodic rhythm was accented perfectly with sublimely sustained guitar bends. Wilson topped things off by playing the flute, which added a delicate layer to the bluesy rock song.
Multi-instumentalist Paul Moak, Bassist Tony Lucido
“Love Alive” off their 1977 Little Queen album is lyrically my favorite Heart song, so I was thrilled when I heard the familiar guitar intro. Ann sang beautifully and added a few exquisite vocables (“oohs and aahs”), some of which mirrored Plant’s signature vocal improvs. She again played her flute, ending the song with cool flutters and twills.
Ann Wilson often performs some choice covers on her albums and in concert, and tonight was no exception. She delivered a heartfelt rendition of John Lennon’s “Isolation.” Her strong vocal delivery and excellent extended notes worked well with the song and added a punch of urgency to Lennon’s lyrics. The song came to an abrupt finish, and immediately the familiar bended guitar note kicked off Heart’s first top #10 hit, “Magic Man.” The talent of the band shined on this one. Lead guitarist Tom Bukovac nailed all the fills and riffs, and Multi-instrumentalist Paul Moak expertly handled the keyboards. The place was ablaze, and the song ended with a well-deserved standing ovation.
“Do we have any people here who love the blues?” Wilson asked the crowd. “This is the blues song to end all blues songs,” With that, the band revved up their chops and began Robin Trower’s “Bridge Of Sighs.” Bukovac’s solo phrasing was perfect, and Moak was equally impressive sharing the solo work on this guitar virtuoso Trower masterpiece. Wilson’s vocals were stunning, with some wicked guttural roars. Is there anything this lady can’t sing? It was a fantastic rendition.
Ann Wilson with Amazing Dawg Band L-R Multi-instrumentalist Paul Moak, Bassist Tony Lucido, Drummer Sean Lane, Guitarist Tom Bukovac
They played another original from the new album. “Greed” is a memorable driving rock song highlighted by Wilson’s potent vocals that mirror the insatiable connotation of the lyrics. This is a great song that has a nostalgic classic guitar rock vibe.
For me, the highlight of the concert was Wilson’s cover of the late Jeff Buckley song “Forget Her.” Wilson introduced the song by saying about Buckley, “I thought he was one of the best singers ever.” I agree with Ann. I am a fan of the human voice. It is the most complex instrument that most of us play every day, and I strongly reverence the great ones. Wilson didn’t disappoint with her rendition, singing with a delicate timbre that effortlessly transformed into an almost angry passion. Like Buckley, Wilson has the unique vocal ability to seamlessly float between tough and tender.
The band followed up by turning up the decibels on the cover of The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me.” The band looked like they were having a blast performing this song. Bass player Tony Lucido was bouncing all over the stage while laying down some chunky bass lines. Drummer Sean T. Lane’s fierce rolls and cymbal crashes must have woke the dead. The entire band was tearing it up, echoing The Who’s extreme volume style. Of course, Wilson’s scorching vocals easily penetrated the thundering refrain. It was a perfect affirmation of why she was included in Hit Parade’s 2006 list of top 100 Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time. As the song came to a combustive conclusion, the audience was on their feet for another ovation.
Guitarist Burkovac began playing a beefy guitar riff that eventually morphed into the familiar intro to Heart’s 1975 hit “Crazy On You.” When the full band aesthetic kicked in, the crowd was on their feet and in the aisles dancing. Guitarists Burkovak and Moak displayed perfect synergy as they alternated solos and joined forces for some sweet overlapping guitar harmonies. Many in the crowd had rushed the stage by the song’s end, which seemed appropriate for the next song.
Multi Instrumentalis Paul Moak and Guitarist Tom Brukovac
“The Revolution Starts Now” by alterative country singer Steve Earle was another surprising cover to hear Wilson take on. She definitely has an expansive appetite for a potpourri of musical gems. Wilson sang the hopeful anthem with a youthful tone and coaxed the crowd into clapping along. Although the song seems vocally benign for her, she did an excellent job and put her unique stamp on it.
Wilson’s mellifluous voice sparkled on the 1975 Queen classic “Love Of My Life.” Her latest album features the song as a duet with country legend Vince Gill which is nicely done, but it was great to hear her perform it solo. The classics kept on coming when Wilson showed off more of her diverse vocality covering the 1973 Aerosmith iconic “Dream On.” Ann effortlessly articulated the song’s peaks and valleys with passionate phrasing.
Veering away from the covers and into her own band’s musical treasures, Wilson ignited the crowd with Heart’s 1977 “Barracuda.” Once again, Guitarist Burkovac and Moak sizzled on the hardcore fiery riffs and splintering solos. The audience was going crazy by the end. Wilson and the band left the stage, leaving the crowd wanting more, which they got when they came back for an encore.
Guitarist Burkovac harnessed an acoustic, Moak a mandolin, and bassist Lucido donned a Uke. Gathered around Ann, the band began the dynamic intro of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California.” Wilson’s warm and sincere tone and the elegant, harmonious acoustic guitars made for an intimate and charming performance.
Wilson finished up the night flexing her powerhouse vocals on Zeppelin’s “Black Dog.” Ann superbly delivered the “start and stop” acapella verses with unrelenting energy, and the Amazing Dawgs cut loose, matching the frenetic intensity of the original.
I have seen Ann Wilson with Heart in the past, and she has always impressed and amazed me. Tonight was the first time I had seen her solo. The show was a perfect combination of Heart classics, New material, and fantastic covers, which she performed exceptionally. Kudos goes out to her band, the Amazing Dawgs, whose musicianship was extraordinary. Thanks once again to Pala Casino for welcoming and accommodating BackStage360. We love covering shows at your wonderful venue.
Jen Bacon / BackStage360