A relative newcomer in the firmament of contemporary jazz singers, Nancy Nielsen is not a stranger to the world of entertainment. Born and raised in Southern California, she became involved in television and film production, eventually starting her own production company, "Shadow Factory". Her credits include national commercials with, among others, Elizabeth Taylor and John Frankenheimer.
Always passionate about music, she began vocal training in Los Angeles in 1984 with Helen McComus and blues giant, Sam Taylor.
Nancy retired from film production in 1996 and moved to Santa Fe with her family, where she continued her vocal training and began performing at local venues including The Lensic, Espiritu, La Posada, and The Paramount. Committed to expanding her vocal and stylistic abilities, she continues to study with jazz legend Sheila Jordan and IAJE "best jazz vocalist of 2002" Tom Lellis, with whom she traveled and performed during 2003. She recently returned from a summer tour of Europe, studying and singing in Scotland, England, France and Switzerland.
Quotes:
"Nancy has one of the most heartfelt and expressive voices I have heard in a long time. It's her natural originality that makes her a great singer. Don't miss a chance to check her out."
- Bruce Dunlap, Executive Director, Santa Fe Jazz Festival
"WOW. Nancy Nielsen knocked me out, and I'm not easily impressed. Her stage presence is stunning with a voice to match: rich, warm and SEXY!"
- Peter Carlson, music producer for Sony and P.B.S.
"She most definitely has talent, and more talent, still."
- David Prince, music critic, The Reporter & Journal North
"She's beautiful, she has presence, and she can SING. There's no way this woman can lose!"
- Barbara Morrison, singer
"A pleasant surprise - playful and exuberant, crisp and clean. She has found her own voice, a rare thing among singers, let alone one who is relatively new on the scene. Possibly the sexiest and most seductive vocalist in the Southwest."
- Tim Pemberton, KSFR-FM
"...her voice and style are both warm and sometimes sassy……. her choice of material is unusual… she is an intriguing singer...well worth listening to!
- Cathy Segal-Garcia, vocalist
