Nancy Wilson - Now I'm A Woman (1970)

Wilson spent the late '60s doing her fair share of cover material and pop-oriented work that often betrayed her jazz roots and the beauty and intelligence in her voice. After an extended period of albums with producer David Cavanaugh, Wilson did this 1970 album with Gamble-Huff productions, featuring producers/arrangers including Thom Bell, Bobby Martin, and arranger-conductor Lenny Pakula. Cavanaugh executive produced. Around this time the Philly production team was best known for their work with artists like Jerry Butler, Billy Paul, and the Delfonics, among many others. Wilson falls right into the production style. The title track is a customary strong outing from Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The beautiful "Joe" has the sound of a prime Thom Bell production, and Wilson gives an amazing performance and a particularly emotional note that might go through a listener. Wilson shines on "Lonely, Lonely" and "Let's Fall in Love Again"; both benefit from Bobby Martin's patently brassy and sweeping Philly production. While some might be hard-pressed to understand why Now I'm a Woman didn't earn more raves, the answer lies in the covers. Even Wilson in great voice couldn't withstand the triple whammy of "They Long to Be (Close to You)," "Long and Winding Road," and "Make It With You." Despite a few missteps, Now I'm a Woman is an important album in Wilson's oeuvre and the Philly sound.