Nancy Wilson - The Very Best Of Nancy Wilson: The Capitol Recordings 1960-1976 (2007/2017)

The career of Nancy Wilson has been compiled many times and in many ways, but never like this. Focusing in-depth on her Capitol recordings during the 15 years of her prime, this three-disc set is a wonderful collection for those who appreciate Wilson's ability to combine Broadway power and finesse with jazz rhythm (and a certain degree of improvisation). While the complete record of her '60s and '70s work would require at least a dozen discs she recorded more than 30 original albums between 1960 and 1976 alone the compilers chose these 71 performances with care. They show her excelling in any format, whether small-group or big-band or strings; singing America's greatest show tunes or pop songs of the day; and thriving whether in the controlled confines of a studio or the freewheeling atmosphere of the Cocoanut Grove. (The latter was the place where her 1964 appearances earned her a nationwide profile, and several performances from her accompanying 1965 album finally appear on CD here.) She also worked with superior musicians, including George Shearing, Cannonball Adderley, Billy May, Oliver Nelson, and Gerald Wilson, among others. While some of Wilson's best peers (Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone) could have been expected to deliver as much excellent material during relatively short periods of their careers, The Very Best of Nancy Wilson: The Capitol Recordings 1960-1976 should stand as a revelation to fans of the pop and soul end of vocal jazz.