For those not in the know, Jazz Woman: The Reel to Real Sessions alludes to the retro spirit of two intriguing songs written when Nancy Kelly was a fledgling jazz artist, but has only now recorded for the very first time.

The beauty of these two songs, Jazz Woman and Move Over, released as singles, lies in their effortless delivery and the authenticity of their author, Nancy Kelly, a singer whose artistry assures them a place in the vocal pantheon of timeless songs.

Singer, composer, educator Nancy Kelly has always been drawn to the arts. From age four, in her hometown of Rochester, New York, Nancy first studied piano, which later led to clarinet, dramatic arts, dance and later voice - which was to be her calling - at the Eastman School of Music.

Over the course of an illustrious, five-decade career, Kelly has honed her trademark swing/bop, take-no-prisoners, soulful, swinging style in front of audiences across the U.S. and abroad, including concerts in Singapore, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Japan, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta.

Indeed, Kelly’s many accomplishments and accolades are proof that a great voice doesn’t happen overnight. More than any other instrument, the voice gains its resonance and soulfulness from the body’s life experiences that surround it.

To paraphrase Bird, If you haven’t lived, it isn’t going to come out of your horn. And Nancy Kelly has lived it, trust me.

1. Jazz Woman (3:34)
2. Move Over (5:10)

This truly beautiful new two-track single opens on the gently spirited, finger-snapping hipsway of the title track Jazz Woman and culminates with the luxuriant, low slung flourishes found within Move Over.

Kelly has decided to release these singles as part of an ongoing series, a collection of original tunes comprising three dozen songs the acclaimed singer intends to eventually release.

Kelly, until now best known for her compelling command of the great standards with panache and style, can now add songwriter to her impressive curriculum vitae.

Simply put, Jazz Woman: The Reel to Real Sessions signals Kelly’s important new foray into the documentation of her original songs, delivered by an older, wiser and more irresistible version of her younger self.

Musicians:
Nancy Kelly - composer, arrangements
John DiMartino - piano, synth and arrangements
Ed Howard - bass
Freddie Hendrix - trumpet
Harry Allen - tenor
Carmen Intorre Jr. - drums and percussion
Wesley Amorim - guitar
Jimmy Johns - vibes

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