Anna Wilson, noted for her unique blend of jazz and country music, will perform for the Golden Belt Community Concert Association at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, in the Great Bend Municipal Auditorium, Lakin and Stone.
This event is available to concert association members. Full-time students will be admitted to the concert for a $5 donation at the door. The auditorium will open at 6:30 p.m.
Wilson is a critically acclaimed jazz singer and songwriter who has scored high on the Billboard and iTunes jazz charts. Her powerful voice has earned her shared billings with Josh Grobin, Al Jarreau and other stars. She is especially known for combining country and jazz in her music.
“There have been moments in Nashville’s musical history when country and jazz were not so far apart,” Wilson says. “In my life, they are always combined.”
In her album, “Countrypolitan Duets,” Wilson showcases the late ’50s and early ’60s, a time in Nashville’s musical history when country and jazz were not so far apart. Backed by piano, guitar, bass and drums, she presents country standards including “You’re the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me” and “Night Life,” garnering appreciation from jazz and country listeners alike. Wilson also shares stories of her experiences in the studio with recording greats including Kenny Rogers, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban and Ray Price.
The first “Countrypolitan Duets” single, “You Don’t Know Me,” features Matt Giraud from “American Idol.” This digital release reached No. 1 on the iTunes jazz chart in January and March 2010.
In addition to Wilson’s jazz artistry, she is a successful songwriter. Reflective of the two musical genres that define her career, she co-wrote one of the hottest country singles of 2009, Chuck Wick’s “All I Ever Wanted” (RCA), which reached No. 12 on the Billboard country chart. She followed in 2010 with “If I Knew Then,” appearing on Lady Antebellum’s mega-hit release, “Need You Now” (Capitol). These recent accomplishments complement Wilson’s remarkable catalogue that includes cuts with Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Ann Womack, Billy Ray Cyrus and Chris Cagle, among others.
Born and raised in Chester Springs, Pa., Wilson has lived in Nashville for nearly 20 years. There, she continues Music City’s rich songwriting tradition while recording innovative vocal jazz projects.