Spanky Wilson is an American soul, funk and jazz vocalist, born in Philadelphia. She lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA until 1967 and then moved to Los Angeles, California, USA. She lived there until 1985 after which she settled in Paris, France.
Performing since the late ’60s, Wilson has shared the stage with soul and jazz legends such as Marvin Gaye, Sammy Davis Jr., organists Jimmy McGriff and Brother Jack McDuff, cornetist Nat Adderley, percussionist Willie Bobo, Lalo Schifrin and Jimmy Smith. Her latest recording is I’m Thankful with The Quantic Soul Orchestra, and a featuring on a single and a music video from DJ/producer Ruckus Roboticus, T.G.I.F “Thank God it’s Funky” (September 2012).
Since 1989, Spanky Wilson performs regularly with the Philippe Milanta Trio.
She is featured on the 2012 album from writer/producer Frank Fitzpatrick entitled Scenes In Jazz. Wilson also performed on the featured theme song of the film High Chicago, entitled “That Rainy Day.” (by wikipedia)
Spanky Wilson is an extraordinary Jazz singer with a unique voice, in terms of swinging, “bluesy”, tender or warm, with an impeccable diction and phrasing. Her first influences were Dinah Washington, Nat “King” Cole and Louis Jordan, then later Eddie Jefferson who taught her how to scat.
Spanky sings with a constant feeling, with emotion and sensitivity. Moreover, every one of her interpretations is a reflection of her song personality.
Heavy soul from the great Spanky Wilson – an album that explodes with energy right from the start – in a groove that definitely lives up to the title! Spanky’s got a great mix of funk and class on this set – a punch in the rhythms at points, yet also a poise in the way she delivers the lyrics – a blend that’s a bit like Marlena Shaw in her earlier years – and set to some killer arrangements from the great HB Barnum! Barnum gives the record all the cool punch of his great 60s work with Lou Rawls – and nearly all the material was written by the obscure Howlett Smith – an excellent lost writer who had a real talent for coming up with cool little soul songs that rise above the usual bag of his generation. This material works great for Spanky, and together, the pair, along with Barnum, cook up a unique lost soul treat! (by dustygroove)
Spanky Wilson in 2008
Personnel:
Spanky Wilson (vocals)
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a bunch of unknown studio musicians
Tracklist:
01. You’re Gonna Miss Me (Smith) 4.15
02. I’ve Waited A Long Long Time (Smith) 2.23
03. Love Has Me By The Hand (Smith) 2-38
04. The Other Girl (Smith/Maxwell) 2.31
05. Mighty Great Feeling (Smith) 2.30
06. Love Is Like An Old Old Man (Smith) 3.35
07. On The Morning After (Smith/Ruflin) 4:25
08. Sweetheart (Smith) 3.22
09. Apartment 101 (Smith) 2.17
10. Tell Me Tonight (Smith) 3.12
11. The Last Day Of Summer (Smith) 3.45
ManyFantasticColors 