Jazz/Blues Singer Tanya Wills Steps Out of the Dating Game with “That’s Love” from New She Album
Stepping back into the realm of dating can be an intriguing or irksome conundrum for those who have recently separated, split up, or divorced. With the commitment to your former partner now just a memory, some simply appreciate the joys of dating from afar. That is to say not dating at all. It’s this idea that planted the creative kernel for Toronto-area jazz/blues singer Tanya Wills‘ latest Latin-infused single “That’s Love” from her new album She, out now.
Wills says “That’s Love,” the follow-up single to “Someone To Love,” was inspired in part by the culmination of her own marriage and wondering how difficult navigating dating waters nowadays could be. She knew it might not be for her at this time but realized it could be the germ of a fine song.
The single opens with Latin sonic flavors that could recall Santana’s classic “Oye Como Va.” From there Wills relays the huge series of questions running sporadically through a person’s mind. Is this date going good or not so good? Is there a connection? Will it last? What am I even doing here with this person?
Guitarist Bill Bridges provides some breezy instrumental work in the bridge as drummer Kevin Coady and bassist Ron Johnston are locked into the airy yet sensuous groove. The narrative In some respects recalls the classic Latin song “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” better known in English circles as “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” made famous by Doris Day, Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole.
“‘That’s Love’ is from a slightly different outlook on love,” Wills says. “I was reflecting on how grateful I am to NOT be in the dating game, and how it could cause one to develop a bit of a cynical attitude toward the ‘relationship.’ I have several friends who are finding themselves newly single again, and they have stories about their experiences in having to dive into the dating pool.”
Because this might really be love…or isn’t
And you might have givin’ me your heart…or didn’t
Flip a coin, douse the flame, turn the page, or change the game
Roll the dice, it’s all the same
That’s love
The single is one of the songs from Wills’ forthcoming album She set for an Oct. 4 release. Wills, who performs in the Wintergarten Orchestra in Toronto as well as leading the Tanya Wills Quartet, says the material was written over a 15-year period. Wills worked with her quartet as well as Jordan Klapman and Rob Korb. Unfortunately, the album’s recording at Toronto’s Inception Sound studio was shelved due to the pandemic. But Wills and her bandmates kept working on it by sending files and ideas back and forth through the internet. A second phase of recording post-pandemic at Toronto’s Revolution Recording completed She.
Now with her latest single “That’s Love,” Tanya Wills should see a huge boost to her career with this lovely Latin-tinged nugget. In short, and to steal a lyric from the single, “That’s Love” should be on a loop and leave you ten feet off the ground.
Hi, Tanya! Good to see you again! What have you been up to since we last talked about “Someone To Love?”
Thanks so much and nice to chat again!
Well, the full album “SHE” dropped on October 11, SO we had a beautiful launch that same day at a retreat out where I live, called “Whispering Springs”! It was the perfect location with absolutely wonderful people. The album has been getting a great reception at home and internationally. Very exciting! And of course, I am always writing and working on new material.
The Latin flavor in “That’s Love” is reminiscent of classic songs like Santana’s “Oye Como Va” and “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.” What drew you to infuse Latin elements into this track, and how did you approach creating its distinctive sound?
I love that you feel that flavor! When I wrote the song, I definitely had visions of a dance, maybe a tango, with heat and tension. Bill Bridges did the arrangement, so I would have to say that he captured that vibe beautifully.
How did working with guitarist Bill Bridges, drummer Kevin Coady, and bassist Ron Johnston contribute to the creation of the groove and feel of “That’s Love”?
They make it so easy. Ron swings like nobody’s business and that brings a special something to the tune, for sure. Kevin is a master percussionist so that Latin vibe he lays down catches you and holds on. And Bill, well I don’t think there is much that he doesn’t play brilliantly … He had a plan when he wrote this arrangement, I think.
“That’s Love” touches on questions we all ask ourselves while dating: ‘Is this going well?’ ‘What am I even doing here?’ How important was it for you to capture this sense of uncertainty in the lyrics?
The tune was inspired by stories shared with me by friends, and uncertainty and frustration are definitely a common theme in all. With women around my age, there is also a keen awareness that almost comes with wry humour and a “let’s not waste any more time here – wrap it up” sentiment. I wanted for there to be some humour in the song and I think there is.
The material for She was written over 15 years. How did the passage of time affect the themes and musical styles of the songs, including “That’s Love”?
I would have to say that my writing and life perspective has definitely shifted as I have moved through my 40s into my 50s… Maybe there is a slightly lighter and more fun element to my songs now. Hard to say. I find it easier to write now … There is inspiration for me every day, whereas when I was younger I had to look harder. Songwriting is a discipline, but it flows much better now. Kinda like a fine wine lol.