Search - Nancy Wilson, Cannonball Adderley :: Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley

5 Stars-yes; Best ever-no

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 05/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the June, 2004 issue of Down Beat, Frank-John Hadley interviewed 73 of the best jazz singers in the world, with the idea of compiling the 30 "best" vocal jazz albums of all time. The consensus had this as #1. That's fairly controversial; certain critics wouldn't say that this is even the best Nancy Wilson album, arguing that designation for "Swingin's Mutual" with George Shearing.So, being an amateur professional jazz singer and professional criminal law hack, what do I know, and who am I to argue with the 73? All I can say is, as Mingus once put it, "I know what I know."And, to begin with, this is definitely 5 stars. Nancy Wilson's control is outstanding; I've heard opera singers who can hold a note for seemingly ever without losing pitch or focus, but she's the best non-classical singer I've ever heard for that. And, her ability to put power on straight tones in her upper register, without losing focus, is likewise unsurpassed amongst any other jazz singer I've heard.Likewise, her interplay with the instrumentalists here is tremendous. Whether it is with Zawinul on "Masquerade", Sam Jones on "Sleepin' Bee", Nat Adderley on "Save Your Love for Me", or Cannonball on just about everything, she very definitely is not just "some chick singing with the band." In fact, she sounds like a tremendous trumpet--reminiscent of Miles, whose "Kind of Blue" with Cannonball Adderley was released about the time that these 6 went into the studio.So why do I disagree with the "All-Time Best" label? Because at times (not always, but at times) Nancy Wilson seems almost emotionally detached from the material she sings. The 73's #2 selection was John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, and Mr. Hartman is with that material emotionally 100% of the time. In contrast, for example, I think the New York Voices give "Save Your Love for Me" more heart than does Nancy Wilson; ditto viz. Janis Siegel and "The Masquerade Is Over."Bottom line: I can't disagree with the "All Music Guide to Jazz", 4th ed., when they say "Why any serious jazz collection would be without this classic album is difficult to comprehend." Buy this album for that reason alone. But I'm not prepared to say this is better than the Coltrane/Hartman, or Billie Holiday on Commodore, by any means."

A classic

Theresa | Columbus, OH | 06/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nancy Wilson's voice is like silk, and she is the highlight of the CD. "The Masquerade Is Over" is the runaway song on the CD. The instrumental tracks are excellent as well -- the Adderly brothers harmonize well together, and there's a good mixture of swingin' and relaxin' music. You can't go wrong with getting this CD."

A match made in heaven

B | houston, tx | 07/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This might be the only vocal jazz album I've ever paid for, and I don't regret it. Nancy Wilson...well, what can you say? She's expressive, flexible, energetic, dynamic, and, unlike many other jazz vocalists, her voice is actually pleasant to listen to. The only problem is that she disappears halfway through the album, which might be a problem if Cannonball wasn't one of the earth's greatest alto players ever. There's his brother too, who isn't the first trumpet player to get upstaged by his sax playing brother.
The album is balanced and well paced, and has a very fresh and youthful sound that will endure through the ages. ESSENTIAL for fans of either artist."