Norma Winstone delivers a peerless performance in A Timeless Place, a long-archived 1990 radio broadcast with the NDR Radio Orchestra. This review explores the album's magic and why it cements her legacy as one of jazz's greatest vocalists.
Norma Winstone: A Peerless Vocalist at 80
When Norma Winstone reached 80 in 2021, tributes poured in from icons like ECM Records boss Manfred Eicher, who noted, "She hears things differently, and tells us about them in her own quiet way." Her confiding storytelling has defined a 60-year career, earning her an MBE and landmark albums. A Timeless Place captures her at her very best, showcasing her lustrous low sounds and vaulting octave leaps.
Track Highlights: The Peacocks and More
The title track, The Peacocks, features Winstone's much-covered lyric, previously explored by Mark Murphy and Jazzmeia Horn. Her wordless variations on guitarist Ralph Towner's The Glide demonstrate surefooted improv skill. She also delivers a sardonic lyric to Steve Swallow's Ladies in Mercedes and an exquisite account of I Loves You, Porgy.
Comparison: Winstone vs. Other Vocalists
| Artist | Album | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Norma Winstone | A Timeless Place | Lyrical, wordless improv |
| Jazzmeia Horn | Love and Liberation | Bold, soulful |
| Cécile McLorin Salvant | Ghost Song | Dramatic, eclectic |
Key Takeaways
- Norma Winstone remains a peerless vocalist with a unique storytelling ability.
- A Timeless Place features Steve Gray's arrangements for an A-list band.
- The album includes highlights like The Peacocks and I Loves You, Porgy.
- Winstone's improv skills shine on tracks like The Glide.
- This broadcast captures her spirit of swimming against the tide.
FAQ
What is A Timeless Place by Norma Winstone?
A Timeless Place is a 1990 radio broadcast featuring Norma Winstone with the NDR Radio Orchestra, recently released as an album showcasing her peerless vocal talent.
Who else has covered The Peacocks?
Artists like Mark Murphy, Jazzmeia Horn, and Cécile McLorin Salvant have covered Winstone's lyric to Jimmy Rowles' tune The Peacocks.
Why is Norma Winstone considered a peerless vocalist?
Her confiding storytelling, lustrous low sounds, and improvisational skills have earned her acclaim from peers and fans over a 60-year career.
This fine session, enhanced by Steve Gray's arrangements, endures in Winstone's work today. Also out this month is Sangam & Friends on Blue Note, joining recordings from a 2009 Mumbai concert by Zakir Hussain and Charles Lloyd.
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