Life comes before art for singer Nancy Wilson

SHARON WOOTTON, FOR THE OLYMPIAN

Originally published Friday, January 18, 2002

SEATTLE -- Catch her while you can, because Nancy Wilson sounds like a veteran singer who wants to stay home and practice the art of doing nothing.

"I don't go out in large chunks. I work when it makes sense. I don't plan on booking too many dates in the future. I don't want to work until I die."

Wilson performs Jan. 22-27 in Seattle.

The Ohio-born singer started singing professionally at age 15.

"I decided after one semester of college that I was really making extremely good money already and that someone else should have my scholarship," she said.

Her first album, "Like in Love" (1959), started her jazz-singer reputation, one she can't ditch despite most of her work being pop and R&B.

"I was never a jazz singer. I played supper clubs. I did not play jazz rooms. The songs I sung were the pop music of the day ... jazz only in retrospect," Wilson said.

Perhaps a jazz-oriented ballad singer would be more accurate. The Emmy and Grammy winner with more than 60 recordings isn't an improviser and has been noted for her classy ways rather than gritty takeoffs.

For a broad look at Wilson's work, listen to the 60-track set "Ballads, Blues & Big Bands/ The Best of Nancy Wilson" (1996).

Her latest is "A Nancy Wilson Christmas" (2001). Album proceeds benefit a school-age jazz program in Pittsburgh, continuing a long tradition of charity work.

"The voice I have is a gift, and I've always felt you should give back."

A four-CD set will be released next month, honoring her 50 years in music.

Wilson hosts the weekly show "Jazz Profiles" on National Public Radio. While recording this month's "Women in Jazz" shows, Wilson learned that some young female jazz artists are doing well, but the old obstacles remain.

"Women still have the same hard track. That was the conclusion we came to, especially instrumentalists.

"The general public still has an image of women not playing music. It's not so much from the male peers. They're usually very encouraging.

"Women still have to go through the same challenges as women did 50 years ago. (Some) pay no attention to it. Some have the self-confidence and inner peace to manage to break through."

Wilson never confined herself to singing. She acted, hosted a television show and appeared on many others.

Although she was on "Oprah" during the holidays, Wilson will be limiting her outings, choosing to spend more time on her high-desert ranch in California.

"The city's not my thing. I'm not a nightclub person, or a person who hangs out. I have apartments, but I couldn't take New York. I thought those skyscrapers were a bit oppressive."

Her husband raises emus and ostriches. Wilson points out that she does not raise anything.

Except songs.

Sharon Wootton is a free-lance writer who lives on Shaw Island.

Nancy Wilson

- When: 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 and 10 p.m. Thursday, 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Jan. 25-26, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Jan. 27.

- Where: Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle.

- Tickets: $25.50-$29.50.

- Information: 206-441-9729.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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