Pauline Wilson
Intuition (1994)
By Ralph Burnett Best known to pop and jazz fusion fans as the lead singer of the classic and innovative Seventies band Seawind, Pauline Wilson is back with a debut solo release on Noteworthy. Intuition, an outstanding collection of adult contemporary vocal performances, features some of today's brightest instrumental stars including saxophonists Michael Paulo and Brandon Fields; bassists Abraham Laboriel and Freddie Washington; keyboardists Yutaka (who produced) and Patrice Rushen and percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. "The most important issue for me was writing and choosing tunes that I really wanted to sing," says Wilson. "I really wanted it to be my own baby, showing through Intuition, that I am a woman with something to say. As one of the titles suggests, I'm back in love with singing. Fans of Seawind got used to me as a soul and fusion artist, but here I'm trying to break out of that image and into a very adult contemporary mode." Born and raised just outside Hilo, Hawaii, Wilson spent time at Central Washington State College before joining the successful Hawaiian group Seawind. Since Seawind, Wilson has relocated to the Los Angeles area to pursue a studio career. She has sung on numerous TV and film soundtracks and TV and radio commercials. Her album contributions include recordings by Jim Messina, Michael Columier, Bruce Hornsby, Brenda Russell, Kevyn Lettau, the Yellowjackets, Celine Dion and the Crusaders. She also performed a duet with George Benson on the 1979 album, In Harmony, which earned her a Grammy award. Before this, she toured with Boz Scaggs. It was probably touring and recording as a featured vocalist with GRP recording artist Yutaka from 1988 thru 1992, that the desire and details of a solo career became clear. With the confidence and experience that Pauline Wilson projects through her debut Intuition, Seawind fans and new fans alike will enjoy this eminent talent for a long time to come. |