Nancy Wilson Live at Carnegie Hall

My review was written in September 1989 after watching the show on VIew Video cassette.

Though taped at the 1987 JVC jazz fest in Gotham, this pleasant video find Nancy Wilson in a pop mood that will satisfy her traditional fans.

Beginning with a smooth rendition of "Dearly Beloved", concert of mainly standards lacks the jazz beat and improvisation of Wilson's excellent videos made with Lenny White's Echoes of an Era band several years back. Hee the mood is more formal and austgerfe, with the orchestra in tuxes and Wilson glamorous in an elegant gown.

Music is a bit staid too, as in her over-rehearsed patter intro to classic "Guess Who I Saw Today", but a duet on two numbers with guest vocalist Carl Anderson (of "Jesus Christ Superstar" pic fame) perks things up. Wilson''s encore number, her "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" is given a wonderful, churchy rendition (with organ accompaniment) that provides spontaneity lacking in the previous material.

Directed by Blaine Novak (actor who co-starred in Peter Bogdanovich's "They All Laughed") provides a welcome intimacy via close shots and varied camera setups.