The best things in life,
and jazz, happen spontaneously. Which brings us directly
to Ms Kelly, who again has teamed up with tenorist
Houston Person. Kelly gives a master class on every
track, It is, I believe, safe to categorize Nancy Kelly
as a jazz singer. There is always a lot of debate about
that designation,
but there are times when debate is unnecessary, and it
is intuitively obvious to any aware listener a given
individual meets the nebulous parameters that form some
kind of definition of what is a jazz singer. The girl's fearless. Very hip.
-
Harvey Siders,
JazzTimesread
more
"It's very
pleasing to report that Kelly not only treats this music with care
and respect, she also turns it into what are unquestionably jazz
performances. At a time when we are still immersed in the flood of
popsters claiming to be jazz singers, this cd comes as a very
welcome assurance that the real thing is still around. So why are
the big bucks behind the wannabes and superior singers such as Kelly
having to make their own way? Its an unfair world. Many nearly mere
singers squeeze into the jazz fold by way of their accompaniment.
Here though there is no question that Kelly has the touch that would
swing like mad if she was all alone. This cd is on my list for jazz
vocal album of the year."
- Bruce Crowther, The Jazz Journal International UK
" read
more<
Singin' & Swingin' Nancy Kelly’s second
recording as a leader is a long awaited follow up to her acclaimed
CD Live Jazz Nancy is signin the kind of world class jazz
reminiscent of a young Ella Fitzgerald, and all the greats before,
creating a new vibrancy and excitement like no other,"Her live
performances are the stuff of legend from coast to coast, but as a
studio artist, Singin and Swingin marks her entry into the big
leagues. Kelly is a rare breed of Jazz singer who can emote like
Billie Holiday, swing like Sara Vaughan, and scat like Ella
Fitzgerald, all while maintaining an identity of her own."
- Jeff Miers, Buffalo Beat August 1998
Recorded in Hollywood and released in late 1998,
this CD reached number 11 on the Billboard charts. Ernie Watt’s
ripping sax embellishes each track with fiery and distinctive
sounds. Ex Weather Report drummer Peter Erskin leads the rhythm
section of Biff Hannon (Piano) and Tom Warrington (Bass) with
unparalleled precision excitement.
"Kelly is a
singer to watch for." - Leonard Feather,
Los Angeles Times 1988
