“The Ann Wilson Thing! #2 – Focus”, out on Rounder Records!

Ann Wilson, one of the most iconic voices in rock ‘n’ roll history, is back with her second solo EP – The Ann Wilson Thing! #2 – Focus, on Rounder Records – that sees the legendary Heart singer exploring and embellishing four inspiring tunes such as Jimi Hendrix’ “manic depression” and Peter Gabriel’s “don’t give up”, as well as two Wilson-penned tracks, the folk-inspired “fightin fer life” and the bluesy “anguish”. Guitarist Craig Bartok co-wrote both of these original songs together with Wilson.

When someone has achieved (with Heart) selling over 35 million records worldwide, had 20 Top 40 singles, seven Top Ten albums, it’s really hard to imagine that they will goof two cover songs and a 4-track EP. And in fact Ann Wilson doesn’t even come close.

There is as much passion and power in the lighter songs as there is in the bluesy rockers. It’s a subtle power that will completely envelope you. Moreover you don’t have to be an old school Heart fan to enjoy this EP.

After several listens I liked the variety of textures, arrangements and vocals, which shows a really a very artistic effort from one of the best rock vocalists in the industry. Four decades down the line, Ann has lost none of her ability over the years. This is an EP that feels precise yet organic, simple yet dense, straightforward yet moody, as Ann Wilson delvers some of her most compelling vocal work in years.

The many pleasures of The Ann Wilson Thing! #2 – Focus are magnified by the fact that it comes as such a surprise. We all know that Ann’s singing can tear the roof right off a barn when she wants it to, yet here she tackles each song with more poetic imagery than just sheer power, especially the covers.

She moves from the quiet acoustic passages of “don’t give up”, to the fiery electric and bluesy rock mode of “manic depression”, without even having to catch her breath. And repeats the same process from the folksy “fightin fer life” to the bluesy anthem “anguish”, just in case you thought the first time was a fluke.

Thanks to people like Ann Wilson, we have amazing artists doing what they need to do to make great music, reinventing themselves and not being afraid to embrace growth and see where it takes them. The obvious artistic freedom that comes with age, experience and the absence of a giant corporate conglomerate demanding constant hits has resulted in a recording that will delight fans Ann Wilson fans as well as connoisseurs of great music in general.

Overall, The Ann Wilson Thing! #2 – Focus is a very clean and well-balanced production job. Ann Wilson once again stands out in front of the lusterless backdrop of today’s disposable musical icons.

The Ann Wilson Thing! #2 – Focus is now available via theannwilsonthing.com and at all major digital and physical retailers. Ann Wilson has also announced a mini-tour of Florida with The Ann Wilson Thing!, to take place after Heart’s Rock Hall ‘Three For All’ tour concludes in mid-September.

The first show will be at the King Center for the Performing Arts in Melbourne, FL on Sept. 25 and will be followed by shows at Plaza Live in Orlando, FL and the Pointe Vedra Concert Hall in Pointe Vedra, FL on Sept 27 and Sept 28, respectively.

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