Customer Reviews

Meant to Be

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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.

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!!!

Words fall short of what Ramsey and Nancy did on this CD. It was so much better than 1984's "The Two of Us". 1984's compilation was strictly dominated by the record company (false instrumentation) indicative of that era.

I will not write out a long review, simply because the music that these two great performers made in the studio speaks for itself. The previous reviewer felt it necessary to make very negative comments in reference to this cd. I would say to him every one is entitled to there own opinion. However if you do not like it, DON'T LISTEN!!

Keep it up Ramsey and Nancy!

This acoustic album is the kind of cd they should have made back in 1984 when they instead put out a mostly dreadful collection of poorly-written "original" songs performed with electified instruments in a disco/r&b style that was already dated. This time Nancy gets to work with worthier songs. It seems like the wordier and more literary a song, the better Nancy will sing it. "Peel Me a Grape" is definitely wordy and well-crafted and she brings the song to life with a fresh interpretation. I'm never pleased to see "Moondance" on a set list, but Nancy and the Ramsey Lewis Trio redeem it. The other familiar song that Nancy sings is "Piano in the Dark" which is a decent song but I didn't think it needed to be redone. Nancy sing it "rough" by her standards and Ramsey plays gorgeously, especially at the very. The contrast between the two styles on this song works well. "Truthfully" is my favorite instrumental track. The two gifted veterans have made a wonderfully pleasant album.

A perfect tandem. Perfectly in sync with each other. Nancy is her usual self which is, exceptional. What she may lack vocally she more than makes up for with style, knowlege and musical sense.

My absolute favorite version of "Peel Me A Grape", seldom has it been done better and certainly not recently.

Here's the thing. The pieces that are the most noteworthy to my ears are the trio pieces. I kept coming back to pices like "Timepiece", "Velvet Night" and "A Moment Alone" and was mesmerized. The emotional depth, the interplay, the romanticism. The tasteful way in which the trio performed each piece never losing sight of the piece. The lack of a pefunctory approach that too often effects trio performances especially the more gifted soloists.

We all know Ramsey can be earthy, soulful and funky. Here he offers intellect with soul, style and elegance. These guys LISTEN to one another. Nothing perfunctory in their approach.

Overall you couldn't go wrong getting this recording since there are so many highpoints.

one of my favorite cds... peel me a grape is a great one, nancy a lil older but her voice is superb.. love it... listen to the samples... ramsey lewis does some songs on here too.. mostly instrumental cd, but great buy.. i only got it because nancy was on it..lol..

I wanted to hear more songs by Nancy Wilson. I thought they would all be duets.

The big surprise here is the long time creative mind of Mr. Ramsey Lewis and his funky gem here is the second CD track "Truthfully". Lewis formula is rather simple but deliciously effective - funky piano, bass & drums. Now, unfortunately, my longtime dearest of dearests does not show good. Maybe some vibrato and note extension lack seems to show her voice is not the same. All that acid tough and delicious phrasing that has been the Miss Nancy registered mark seems also to be vanished. This a just for Lewis & Nancy fans CD.

HOW COULD YOU GO WRONG WITH NOT ONE, BUT TWO OUTSTANDING TALENTS LIKE NANCY WILSON AND RAMSEY LEWIS? THE ANSWER......NO WAY! IF YOU LOVE JAZZ AS MUCH AS I DO....THIS CD IS A "MUST HAVE."