To call diva Nancy Wilson a legend would certainly be an understatement. Nancy Wilson is the incorporation of vocal jazz. She has recorded and performed with Cannonball Adderley, George Shearing, Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughan, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Hank Jones, Ramsey Lewis and many more. Beside this she recorded innumerous Pop and R&B albums.

In the late 1990's Nancy made a contract with MCG Jazz, a social enterprise supporting the youth education programs of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, a nonprofit, minority-directed, arts and learning organization located in Pittsburgh, PA. She released "A Nancy Wilson Christmas" (2001) and "R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal)" (2004). The upcoming album "Turned To Blue" is the third release at this label. After a five decade career in entertainment this album is a collection of songs presenting the struggle of human nature with love's power. A theme which is often interpreted by female singers but this album is very special. On every track Nancy Wilson features one soloist giving each song its own character.

First song of the album is This Is All I Ask composed by Gordon Jenkins, a composer, arranger and conductor from the 30's to 60's. The song was covered by Frank Sinatra, Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Tony Bennett, George Benson and many celebrities more. Together with tenor sax player Bob Mintzer Nancy creates her version in a classic way with a decent Bossa swing.

Take Love Easy is a Duke Ellington Big Band classic from 1947 interpreted by Nancy in accordance with the original. Who loves this song should also listen to Ella Fitzgeralds' version with Joe Pass.

My Life Has Turned To Blue is a poem by Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the great voices of contemporary literature. Turned To Blue is the musical transformation and somehow Nancy's summary of her own life. “As a singer who chooses to sing only those songs that speak to me, that resonate with my life and feelings, it is pure joy to be able to sing the words of my long time friend, Maya Angelou,” Wilson says. 

Australian born pianist and composer Bryce Rohde composed Knitting Class (lyrics by K. Lawrence Dunham), the story of a forlorn Woman. This song features tenor sax player Jimmy Heath. A magnificent musician with a long history.

Be My Love originally sung by Kathryn Grayson and Mario Lanza was a big hit and a song in the musical movie "The Toast Of New Orleans" produced by Joe Pasternak (1950). Nancy Wilson's version is featuring the legendary Hubert Laws on flute.

Taking A Chance On Love is a wonderful Big Band tune composed by Vernon Duke and Ted Fetter. James Moody on tenor sax is the star of this fabulous cover version. James Moody is foremost known by his cooperation with Dizzy Gillespie. When Nancy swings along the Big Band one can state: "Time will never goes by." 

Just Once is of a contrary caliber. A more intimate song featuring John Clayton on acoustic bass and Dave Samuels on vibraphone. John Clayton has a bodily relationship to his instrument. "It's the vibrations of the bass that just feel so good. I'll often have my students stand next to me, behind the bass, and just let their leg or stomach touch the bass while I play it. I look at them and tell them, 'That's why I play the bass!'". Add the vibe of Dave Samuels and Nancy's vocal vibrations and you get that heavenly song which is reaching directly the heart of listener.

These Golden Years is featuring Tom Scott. He is a multi-colored musician performing many styles from Bebop to Hip Hop. On this slow tune with much melancholy he showcases his jazzy side.

Artie Butler wrote I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up especially for Nancy Wilson. Artie is the composer of Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World" or Barry Manilow's "Copacabana" to give you an image of his spectrum as a composer. Andy Narell on steel pans mesmerizes this song  with a special mood.

With Old Folks we return into the Elysian Fields of Big Band. This is a classic by Willard Robison already performed by Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Miles Davis and hundreds more. Nancy 's interpretation sounds like a true revival of the original. Andy Snitzer on sax is the featured artist.

I'll Be Seeing You is Nancy's Parisian ballade featuring Dr. Billy Taylor on piano. 

With Turned To Blue Nancy Wislon opens again a window into old time. Her smooth vocals set the standard for jazz singers of all generations.

 

 

 

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  • Title: Turned To Blue
    Artist: Nancy Wilson
    Year: 2006
    Length: 0:52:09
    Genre: Jazz Vocals
    Label: MCG Jazz


    Tracks: 
    01 This Is All I Ask [5:57]
    02 Take Love Easy [4:31]
    03 Turned To Blue [4:02]
    04 Knitting Class [3:53]
    05 Be My Love [3:56]
    06 Taking A Chance On Love [3:18]
    07 Just Once [4:22]
    08 These Golden Years [6:10]
    09 I Don't Remember Ever Growing Up [5:18]
    10 Old Folks [5:24]
    11 I'll Be Seeing You [5:18]