by Ann O'Phelan

THERE IS SOMETHING VERY REFRESHING about hearing a sultry female vocalist rock out; especially when the voice you hear is Aimee Linn. These days Aimee, raised in Southwest Florida and playing guitar since she was 6 years old, is supported by bassist and back-up vocalist, Molly Brown, drummer Tim Kelley, and one of three blues guitarists vying for a permanent place in the band. The Band knows how to deliver a soulful sound on a range of originals and add something unique to their versions of classic songs like Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee”, Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit,” The Beatles “Ballad of John & Yoko” and The McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy”, as well as more recent hits like Pink’s “Let’s Get This Party Started,” and Tracy Chapman’s “Gimme One Reason.”

Linn’s voice is powerful and bluesy, blended with a perfect mix of rock and country — full of emotion, yet controlled. She has the ability to sing songs that are not typically performed by female vocalists such as The Rolling Stones’ “Beast of Burden” and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son.” She delivers an interesting interpretation of these songs by hitting the low notes and softening up the edges where it makes most sense.

You can hear Aimee Linn at historic Bert’s Bar in Matlacha Tuesday and Saturday nights. On Tuesday’s, you can join in the fun during Open Mic Night and on Saturday there is an early show at 7pm and a Rock & Blues show at 9pm.

Aimee and the band also play at other great local bars, like the Ragged Ass Saloon and Froggy’s, both located in St. James City, as well as the Harbourside Tiki Bar & Grille in North Fort Myers.

Whether it’s choice cover tunes or some of their exciting originals like “Once We Were Lovers,” ‘When Will It Be My Turn,” and “Maybe Tomorrow,” from The Aimee Linn Band’s CD Sic’ In The Head, released last year, this band gets the crowd grooving and moving with just about every song.

For more information about Aimee Linn and her music, visit www.aimeelinn.com, www.myspace.com/theaimeelinnband, www.garageband.com/artist/ aimeelinnband. •