Search - Nancy Kelly :: Born To Swing

Just Where Has This Lady of Song Been.....

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 06/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nancy Kelly. What a stylist and what a voice and what a communicator! Never having heard her sing in person in the clubs or in festivals, this superb recording serves as an introduction for this listener. And from the very first downbeat Nancy Kelly steps into that blue-tinged smoky spotlight that has been focused on the greats such as Etta James, Billie Holiday, etc etc etc.



Kelly is backed by Houston Person on tenor sax, Dino Losito on piano and Fender Rhodes, Mark Taylor on drums and Neal Miner on bass - each of whom is a first class soloist on his own. But the magic that happens when they collaborate with Kelly is staggering. Kelly has a finely trained voice, one that knows exactly the middle of a perfect pitch, one that is wrapped in a lush and rich vocal production that, as with all fine blues and swing singers, is not classifiable as a soprano or a mezzo - just a widely ranging, near pianistic spectrum of color. Her style finds her holding a straight tone as long as the mood can bear before allowing her sexy vibrato to overtake the atmosphere.



The selection of songs on this generous, very well produced recording (credit engineer Michael Brorby) contains such special experiences as 'Didn't we', 'Like Someone in Love', 'Come Rain or Come Shine', 'More Than You Know' and includes a deeply touching rendition of 'New York State of Mind' - a song Kelly has been including in her gigs since 9/11. In all of the songs Nancy Kelly not only caresses the ear with gorgeous music making, but she also is a fine communicator. The words, music and atmosphere blend into an experience not often heard.



This is one of those new releases that hopefully will climb on the charts and bring notice to other novices like this listener that Nancy Kelly is a major talent. This is 'old music' - the kind of music we were afraid was gone - beautifully performed by a brilliant ensemble of gifted artists. Just try and not get nostalgic when you spend time with this fine recording. Grady Harp, June 06"

A Winner

A Fan | Painted Post, NY United States | 08/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I simply second the comments of Ms. Harp. I have the CD and I have heard Nancy in person a couple of times. Furthermore, I hear the pianist, Dino Losito, on a regular basis at a local club. This is top notch, straight ahead, world class jazz. Nancy's voice is peerless, crystal clear, swinging and beautiful. The band, especially Dino and Houston, is excellent."