It seems a little bit strange that an artist of Nancy Wilson's popularity and experience -- she's recorded more than 60 albums in various genres over the course of a 40-year career -- would never have made a Christmas album. But this is indeed her first, and it's as sweet-spirited and gently eclectic as you'd expect. Joined on several tracks by the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Allstar Big Band and on others by the vocal quartet New York Voices, flutist Herbie Mann, and various other guest artists,...   [ read more ]

CD $18.03

Once again, Capitol finds a way to repackage its vast vocal holdings. Not a bad thing really, especially considering the sheer quality of songs from label swells like Mel TormT, June Christy, and Peggy Lee, not to mention such low-profile staffers as Keely Smith, Matt Monro, and Margaret Whiting. Well, this time Capitol brings its treasures to the post-grunge and electronica masses on their Great Ladies (and Gentlemen) of Song series. Packing each disc with 20 sterling t...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

Nancy Wilson's not the first name in bluesy jazz (check out Dinah Washington and Joe Williams for that), but she usually can enliven the form with her sophisticated and sultry style. That's made clear on her rendition of "Stormy Monday Blues," where she eschews blues clichTs in favor of a husky airiness, at once referencing a lowdown mood and infusing it with a sense of buoyancy. This split is nicely essayed on Capitol's Blues and Jazz Sessions, as half the tracks ooze with {$Wilson...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18