written by David Foster, David Paich & Leon Ware

Pianist Ramsey Lewis and singer Nancy Wilson are two legends of the soul/jazz world. As a duo they have released three albums; “The Two Of Us” in 1984, “Meant To Be” in 2002 and “Simple Pleasures” in 2003.

Their first collaboration, “The Two Of Us,” is produced by bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke. It is a pleasure to listen to Wilson’s unique voice backed up by Lewis’ brilliant work on the acoustic piano though the programmed drums and heavy use of synthesizers sound a bit dated and cheesy, especially on the funk/jazz instrumentals. On the other hand, the selection of songs presents a few smart choices like the ballad “Midnight Rendezvous,” originally on David Roberts’ wonderful and little-known masterpiece “All Dressed Up,” the intense title track co-written by Jeremy Lubbock and Vassal Benford, plus the elegant “Never Wanna Say Goodnight.” Another highlight is “Slippin’ Away,” a mid-tempo R&B number co-written by David Foster, David Paich of Toto fame and the soul great Leon Ware who recorded it on his 1982 self-titled masterpiece. On this tune and throughout the whole record, Wilson shines vocally while being well supported by Lewis and many top class musicians and singers.

Lead Vocals: Nancy Wilson
Piano: Ramsey Lewis
Keyboards: Don Freeman & Robert Brookins
Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr.
Drums: John Robinson & Ricky Lawson
Bass: Freddy Washington

Produced by Stanley Clarke

Lyrics

And now you seem so far away
When only yesterday
I thought that we were getting’ closer

It’s like I’m hangin’ on a line
Hopin’ you’ll take time enough to notice
That we both could understand

Do you want to live alone
Lookin’ past the places where
A seed of love could grow and
The future would be lastin’ love
But somehow you

Just keep slippin’ away
Why you wanna
Keep on slippin’ away
Somehow in your heart I hope)
You will see that I am on your side
I am on your side

I can’t believe it takes so long
‘Cause something that’s so strong can surely
Take away the weakness

Maybe I haven’t made it clear
But day after day and year by year
I’ll keep sayin’

When my imagination’s gone
There’s a warm reality
That helps me make the space
Between us so much closer
And you won’t keep slippin’ away

You ain’t gonna keep on slippin’ away
Somehow in your mind I know
You will see that I am on your side
I am on your side

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