From I’LL BE A SONG
Written by David Foster, Maurice White & Brenda Russell
Nancy Wilson is one of the best jazz/R&B singers of the past fifty years. Over the years, Miss Wilson’s elegant voice has given new life to several evergreens on a series of critically acclaimed records. She has worked with music giants like Cannonball Adderley, Nat King Cole, and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis. After her jazz beginnings, Miss Wilson’s releases progressively became a mix of R&B and ballads with some jazz flavor thrown in. This evolution made her a favorite among the adult contemporary audience. The singer also worked on many projects for the Japanese market, including her 1983 album, “I’ll Be A Song.” This project includes sophisticated renditions of masterpieces like “Just The Way You Are,” “The Island,” and “You,” co-written by David Foster with Maurice White of Earth Wind & Fire fame and singer/songwriter Brenda Russell. This stunning ballad follows the footsteps of another Foster classic, “After The Love Is Gone.” Earth, Wind & Fire originally recorded “You” on their 1980 “Faces” album. Wilson’s cover is good, although it lacks Earth Wind & Fire’s unique sound and harmonies. The arrangement by Masahiko Satoh leans towards a more classic R&B flavor and effectively supports the singer’s performance with lush strings, horns and keyboards. Saxophone legend George Young plays the warm solo, contributing to the final result of listening pleasure.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/archives/clips/you.mp3|titles=You|artists=Nancy Wilson]
Vocal: Nancy Wilson
Steinway, Rhodes & Synth: Masahiko Satoh
Soprano Sax Solo: George Young
Guitar: Takayuki Hijikata
Bass: Kenji Takamizu
Drums: Hideo Yamaki
Congas & Percussion: Doctor Gibbs
Background Vocals: Janice Pendarvis, Diva Gray, Yvonne Lewis
Arranged & Conducted by Masahiko Satoh
Produced by Kiyoshi Itoh
Lyrics
She was naive, and never knew
Back against the world–her dreams came true
There is a mirror in her eyes,
all the world with cherry painted skies
I would be a fool, not to notice who,
can make me want to give it all
Oh, and now, I’m a happy soul
that love has got a hold
And I know that love won’t let me fall
You–light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
and now I look at life, the way you do,
with a beauty shining thru
When I am true with my dreams
life is so sincere, in what it means
I am truly hypnotized–with a love
that took me by surprise
I would be a fool, not to notice who,
can make me want to give it all
Oh and now, love is so profound.
I need your love around to open yp,
this lonely heart
You–light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
and now I look at life, the way you do,
with a beauty shining thru
You-light the way, you brighten up my day
You make me want to stay,
I guess you know that I’m in love with you
It’s true, you changed my point of view,
You make it all seem right,
I’d love to share my life, with you