Normandie Wilson

My performance is ideal where classy, tasteful background music is desired. You can envision me setting up quietly in a corner, and doing what you ask! I am as happy to perform in situations where I am the center of attention as I am to play quietly in a corner for hours on end. Whether you desire showmanship or atmosphere, I will deliver.

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.

For event planners:
You can expect me to work as a consummate professional. I am the first one at the gig, and usually the last one to leave. I've worked in every space from weddings to piano bars to private parties. I am best at events where tasteful background music is needed. I can play and sing for up to four hours, and I am happy to take requests for song lists in advance.

I will need access to a power strip, an ample supply of water, and green room access. If there is no green room, I will need a secure location on site to place my personal items. I can be big, or I can be small. If you have access to a piano, I will love you forever. I have an amp that I can bring with me if the gig is within driving distance. Otherwise, I will need access to a PA or an amp that is suitable for vocals. I always bring my own mic.