Search - Ramsey Lewis, Nancy Wilson :: Meant to Be

An Elegant Treat

Harry N. Cohen | New Haven, Ct. USA | 03/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a banner time for Nancy Wilson fans. First, the wonderful box set, Essence of Nancy Wilson, now this...a brand new cd of beautiful music.Unfortunately, Nancy only has 5 cuts on this cd, the rest are instrumentals by Ramsey Lewis.The instrumentals are all tasteful and well done, but this disc really comes alive when Miss Nancy steps up to the microphone. Peel Me A Grape, a cabaret favorite made immortal by Blossom Dearie is given a fine sexy/humorous reading by Nancy. Lots of lesser singers have tried this song and it seems the humor escapes them Nancy GETS it! A song from the Joe Williams songbook, Did I Ever Really Live is quite apropriate for Nancy at this point in her career. It is a reflection on life and mortality, sort of a Circle Game for the jazz world. It is quite moving. First Time Love by Patti Austin receives the elegant Nancy touch. The highlight of this disc for me is Nancy's killer version Of Moondance. A slight disappointment is Brenda Russell's Piano In The Dark. Nancy lingers over the verses, but rushes through the chorus. Nancy's voice on all selections is in fine shape, with some amber shadings that weren't there before. She truly souns wonderful. This disc taken in it's entirety is perfect for either lingering over Sunday morning coffee or for popping open the champagne and geting that quiet storm going."

Batman and Robin ain't the only "dynamic duo"

Reginald D. Garrard | Camilla, GA USA | 06/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I may be slightly biased. As the owner of eleven of Miss Wilson's albums, I consider myself to be a true fan. The original 1984 pairing of Nancy and Ramsey, while more pop-oriented, still showed that the two of them belong together.This jazzier offering has not lessened that singular truth: they are unbeatable. Those that really appreciate musical talent, vocal and instrumental, have it here."

Great collaboration!

B. J. Lane | Levittown, PA United States | 08/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm happy that these two jazz legends got together to record such a magnificent CD. In the case of Ms. Wilson, it's a treat to hear her backed by a superb trio (of the acoustic kind - no electronic gizmos). Her song selection, from the witty "Peel Me a Grape" to Brenda Russell's "Piano in the Dark" hits the mark perfectly. Ditto for the instrumental offerings from Ramsey and his trio.I must comment on one of the tracks, "Did I Ever Really Live?" (Albert Hague and Allan Sherman, composers), which I'm sure had to be thought of carefully in light of the horrific events of 9/11...in the liner notes, Ms. Wilson explains that the song was among those scheduled to be recorded on that day, but was not due to the tragedy that unfolded.Ramsey and Nancy...you haven't lost your touch!!!"