The global pandemic was costly in terms of lives, misery and missed opportunities for all ages. For some in the early chapters of their lives, it was a lost attempt at having a crush during junior high, the excitement emanating from high school dances and proms or finding romance in university. But Toronto-based blues/jazz chanteuse Tanya Wills has encapsulated that feeling of youthful optimism for finding love in such hard, challenging times with her latest single, the serene and stylish “Someone To Love” from her forthcoming solo album She.
Wills says “Someone To Love” originated while, like most of the world, she was isolated and went for a run near her home of Brighton, Ontario in the midst of the angst, turmoil and continual public restrictions. “‘Someone To Love’ is a song that began its life during the pandemic,” she says. “I thought about the impact this would have on the young people, missing out on the important social moments. We all experienced the loneliness of that time, not knowing how it would end, but for the young lovers – or those wanting to fall in love – it might have seemed particularly bleak. And so, this song is about holding on to the hope and a dream…of love.”
Like most strong jazz ballads, Wills’ light and delicate delivery works tremendously well with guitarist Bill Bridges’ sparse but inviting accompaniment. Bridges, who Wills describes as her “constant touchstone and mentor,” helps fuel the mood and atmosphere instantly. It’s a lovely, hushed and heartwarming blueprint for an enjoyable listen. Meanwhile, drummer/percussionist Kevin Coady and bassist Ron Johnston keep things gliding alongside Wills’ earnest approach. “Someone To Love” would fall in line with material by the likes of Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson and Joni Mitchell.
The song epitomizes the dreams of a woman finding her perfect partner who offers her a night on the town and figuratively sweeps her off her feet. She isn’t sure who that man is, or when she will meet that man of her dreams. But she’s steadfast in believing he’s out there somewhere.
Somehow her heart knows the answer — when destiny and chance meet one moonlight night
Before her a wondrous sight — her someone to love.
‘Til then her dreams are her own, but she’s not alone —
She hopes he’s watching the stars above…
Her someone to love.
Wills, who is extremely busy fronting the Tanya Wills Quartet featuring Bridges, Coady and Johnston, also performs as part of the Wintergarten Orchestra who regularly play in and around the Greater Toronto Area, a Cabaret-ish show featuring material from the 1920’s and 1930’s. It’s a far cry from one of her previous occupations as an Ontario Provincial Police officer for a decade. But judging by “Someone To Love” musical creations and not police investigations seemed more in line with her destiny.
The performer, who released the singles “Rewind” in 2023 and “Ça s’est arrangé” in April, 2024, now looks to grow her blossoming fan base even more with her new single “Someone To Love.” The performer’s music, to steal a word from the latest single, is simply wondrous.
