Album Review: The Reel To Real Sessions from Nancy Kelly

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Album:  The Reel To Real Sessions
Artist:  Nancy Kelly
Label:  SubCat Records
Website:  www.nancykelly.com

Singer, songwriter and freelance educator Nancy Kelly takes a leap forward with her 2-track solo EP, The Reel To Real Sessions.  Accompanied by a litany of guest musicians, Kelly demonstrates a zeal for swing and an instinct for soul.  Both tracks are original tunes written by Kelly and display her leaning for jazz standards emblematic of Stephen Sondheim and adult pop in the ilk of Carly Simon.

"Jazz Woman" wields a catchy stride in the rhythm section as Harry Allen's tenor sax flares at poignant moments along the track.  Kelly's versing moves naturally with vocal inflections that punctuate the lyrics as she muses, "Sang out the blues and wore platform shoes /  Made all the scenes in my Vanderbilt jeans / Danced on a stage in a furious rage / Screamed rock 'n' roll and R&B/Soul... such a jazz woman."  The lyrics have an autobiographical appeal, and Kelly's portrayal of the verses give them a genuine lure.  

"Move Over" also has a genuine feel in the lyrics, shrouded in a sleek Calypso-tinted ambience that casts the music in a moonlight glow.  The stargazing slant in the lyrics depicts a romantic scene, "Move over / Let me in / Move over / Let's begin / I wanted into your dreams and your madness / Schemes and your sadness... take my hand."  Allen's sax once again enhances the dreamy mood as the coasting beats of the rhythm section act as a cushion for Kelly's vocals to float above the melody.

The emotional content in Kelly's lyrics is meaningful, cultivating a connection with her audience.  She has released six critically acclaimed recordings previously, and was named "Best Female Jazz Vocalist" in the Down Beat magazine's Readers' Poll twice.  Her EP anchors her as a singer-songwriter in her own right, and a striking one at that.

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

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