Normandie Wilson on Swoop’s World Primetime

Normandie Wilson

On Thursday October 10, 2013 at 11am/PDT (1pm/CDT, 2pm/EDT) We are happy to welcome the return of Normandie Wilson as our guest on Swoop’s World Primetime. It’s always a wonderful time when we have the chance to chat with Normandie. She joins us this week having just released her 4th full length album, “Geography and Other Problems.” Tune in as we have the opportunity to talk about the new album, hear some new songs, new adventures, and all the cool things she’s been up to. Tune in at Swoopsworld.com.
Normandie Wilson
This is cool, classy jazz music with a touch of pop. The kind of music you hear when you stop in at the lounge on the corner with the guys from work. You’re standing at the bar when you hear a gentle voice, as smooth as the fine cognac in your glass, coming from the back room. A dirty-blonde beehive peeks out from behind the piano. You come closer and take a look at the creature whose hands are caressing the ivories; she’s dressed in sparkling attire worthy of Christina Hendricks and crooning songs that sound directly lifted from the swinging 60’s. Suddenly, you can’t stop staring at the drop-dead gorgeous girl with her lips pressed against the microphone. Best to pick up your drink, loosen up your tie, and stop the conversation for a while. If you want to really hear Normandie’s soft, smoky alto voice and witty lyrics, you’ll have to listen closely.

She’s frequently compared to modern-day sirens (Becky Stark, Inara George, of Bird and the Bee) and vintage classics (Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, Astrud Gilberto). Normandie’s sound falls sweetly on the ears of fans of classic 60’s pop, lounge, bossa nova, and modern jazz chanteuses like Melody Gardot, Norah Jones, and Diana Krall. “I always had a hard time singing loud, and that used to be a big problem for me. It wasn’t until I heard singers like Dionne Warwick, Karen Carpenter, and Astrud Gilberto that I became comfortable with my own voice,” she says.

Normandie cites the perfect pop music by Brian Wilson and Burt Bacharach as her primary influences, as well as songwriters like Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cole Porter, Carole King, Lieber & Stoller, and Holland/Dozier/Holland, along with many unnamed 50’s and 60’s instrumental pop records taken from the 10-cent bin at the thrift store. “I spent almost every day with my grandparents growing up,” she says. “I think the only person I’ve met who has my taste in music is my 84-year old grandma.”

So grab a martini, a Mai Tai, or a Gimlet. Kick off your shoes and put the needle on the record. Relax and luxuriate in the luscious, lounge-y sounds of Ms. Normandie Wilson. Sing along if you like, or dance the night away with the date of your choice. One request: keep it classy.