Biography
Virginia Wolf
Chris Ousey's first main achievement was with "Monroe" with future Heartland guitarist Gary Sharpe, but Chris never made it to the album as he was snatched in the pre-production stages by Jason Bonham (John Bonham's son), for a new band Virginia Wolf.
Virginia Wolf notched up 250,000 album sales between two records in the form of their self titled debut (produced by Queen's Roger Taylor) and "Push" (produced by Keith Olsen). They also toured in 1996 as the support band for "The Firm", performing six weeks of US dates in support of the debut album. A video was made for 'Waiting For Your Love' & this gained heavy rotation on MTV. However after the second album Virginia Wolf found themselves dumped by the label and soon went their separate ways. ( Both Virginia Wolf albums have now been re-issued on CD by Wounded Bird Records )
Heartland - The Early Years
Heartland was originally formed by Chris with Gary Sharpe in order to get a publishing deal. However the band did better that that, landing themselves a deal with the major label A&M Records. Their self titled debut was released in 1991 and was produced by James "Jimbo" Barton. Heartland also played a number of live dates as support to Mr. Big.
Unfortunately AOR / Melodic Rock star was on the wane in the early nineties and Heartland ultimately lost the A&M deal. However Chris and Gary along with Steve Gibson had already recorded some demo material for the next album. With the help of Khalil Turk, these demos were released as the second Heartland "Wide Open" in 1994 on the now defunct Long Island Records ( Escape Music re-issued this album with some bonus material five years later ).
By this time though Gary had lost interest in the project & Chris was left to continue on his own.
Enter Steve Morris
Later that same year, Escape Music's Khalil Turk introduced Chris to guitarist Steve Morris.
Steve is a guitar virtuoso and as experienced as Chris in his own field having recorded two albums with Epic recording artist's "Export" ("Living In fear Of The Private Eye" and "Contraband") as well as touring with their own independent album "Export" supporting Slade. Through Export he got to work with Tony Bongiovi and Lance Quinn as well as writing with Bob Halligan Jnr. and Michael Bolton.
Finally, Steve became guitarist for Deep Purple vocalist Ian Gillan initially touring on the Garth Rocket tour. Two "Ian Gillan" studio albums followed ( Naked Thunder & Toolbox ), one "The Javelins" album ( Sole Agency And Representation ), as well as a number of tours.
Escape Music
The first outing of this experienced new duo was the Heartland album - III. The album was released as the debut band to be released on the fledgling label "Escape Music" set-up by Khalil Turk & Barrie Kirtley.
This album continued in the quality of the first two albums, but was generally thought as being a more commercial release. The album sold well, especially in Japan.
The follow up release 'Bridge Of Fools' saw Heartland record as a band again with original drummer Steve Gibson re-joining the band as well as bassist Tim Duncan & Chris Lloyd on the keyboards. Having that more cohesive band sound, this album successfully built up on the foundations of the previous albums and gave more opportunities for the guitar flair of Steve Morris to shine through.
The Distance
After recording 'Bridge Of Fools' Steve Morris took a short break as went back to work with Ian Gillan on his 'Dreamcatcher' album. In the meantime Escape Music suggested to Chris that he teamed up with Kenny 'Kaos' Loney from fellow label mates 'Pokerface'.
The resulting project The Distance had a much more raw rockier edge, yet still remained popular with the fans, with Japan's Burnn! magazine scoring it a very respectable 90.
Following an appearance at the UK AOR/Melodic Rock festival 'The Gods', Chris, Steve, & Kenny also did an acoustical tour of Germany playing both Heartland & The Distance tracks in support to Jeff Paris.
The Success Continues
Following on from the successes of 1997, the band continued the momentum with a very busy couple of years.
Heartland released their fifth studio album 'Miracles By Design' in 1998 which featured the Heartland core ( Chris Ousey, Steve Morris, & Steve Gibson ) as well as members from The Distance project ( Kenny 'Kaos' Loney, Dave Hopia, & John Counsel ). This album was recorded in Parr Street Studio?s & mixing was carried out by Loverboy/Blackstone man Paul Dean in his own Vancouver studios. The results of their efforts was a rich and polished sounding album, a gorgeous mix of Ousey soul and Morris/Kaos rock, with every note sounding crisp & crystal clear.
Steve & Chris also got involved in fellow label mates 'Change Of Heart' debut album. As well producing the album, Chris & Steve join Kenny 'Kaos' Loney & Dave Hopia as guest musicians on the album.
The band make a second appearance at The Gods festival in 1998.
The pace continues in 1999 with Chris & Kenny releasing a second The Distance album 'Live & Learn'. On Live And Learn, the guitars still rule the day, but it's a more mature and produced affair with added layers and subtle solos.
The acoustic tour of Germany had also been the foundation for another idea which came to fruition in 1999. 'When Angels Call' is an acoustical greatest his album featuring tracks from both Heartland & Chris' previous band Virginia Wolf ( the first time the Virginia Wolf tracks have appeared on CD ).
Escape Music also successfully manages to negotiate the rights for the second Heartland album, and it is re-issued with two bonus tracks, alternative versions of 'Fight Fire With Fire' & 'Wide Open'.
Into The New Millennium
The new millennium sees Heartland release their seventh album 'As It Comes', joined again by long time drummer Steve Gibson, the band is rounded out with bass player Tim Hewitt (Boulevard) and keyboards aficionado Steve Millington (10cc) joining the Heartland line-up. This album was a major leap forward by the band in the way that it combines all of their best elements and brings them out in a beautiful manner. This album was something special, something different, something exciting. And no one was going to be disappointed, with most critics claiming it as their finest hour.
Chris & Steve also continue to be busy in the studio, with production & apperances on the second 'Change Of Heart' album 'Continuum', 'Newman' third album 'Dance In The Fire', 'Message' third album 'Outside Looking In', & 'Radio Silence' second album 'Sirens'.
Steve & Chris are also involved on Escape Music's - Tribute To Foreigner album released in 2001. Steve produces, engineers & plays guitar on the album, while Chris sings the tracks 'Cold As Ice'. 'Long, Long Way From Home' (Japan edition only) & duets with Troy Reid on 'Prisoner Of Love'.
Communication Down
The next Heartland album sees the light of day in 2002. 'Communication Down' sees a change in the line-up with Chris Ousey & Steve Morris being joined by Frank Baker on drums & Tim Hewitt on bass. The continuing evolution of the band is apparent as yet again the band step up a gear giving this album a rockier feel yet still maintaining the smooth polished AOR sound.
Steve & Chris continue to be involved in Escape Music's - Tribute series. The second Tribute album 'Tribute To Boston' recorded and released in 2002. Steve produces & plays guitar on the album, while Chris sings the track 'Cool The Engines'
Virginia Wolf - Re-Issued
While 2003 was a quiet year for Heartland, American Re-Issue specialist 'Wounded Bird' re-issued both Virginia Wolf albums on CD for the first time.
Steve Morris also teamed up with Steve Overland ( FM ), Chris Childs ( Thunder ) & Harry James ( Thunder ) to form the group Shadowman to record their debut album "Land Of The Living".
Moving On
2004 saw the band start work on their ninth album 'Move On'. Released in Mar/Apr 2005, the album has been given great reviews across the board.
And just to keep themselves busy, more studio work continues working on the third 'Change Of Heart' album as well as the second 'The Ladder' album.
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