Customer Reviews

After Hours

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have many Nina Simone records, but I always come back to her ballads on rainy days. This record, in particular, is a crusher. Good for anyone unfamiliar, but curious, about Nina as well as any loyal fan. Her rendition of Billie Holiday's "Don't Explain" will slay all who here it with its pure, pure sadness. "The Other Woman" and "Lilac Wine" are also solid and lovely.

Nina's voice is like no other vocalist--the emotional intensity she brings to her covers and originals are non-pareleil. This "After Hours" CD (formerly on Philips, now Verve) is probably the best one that shows Nina in a "torch-chanteuse" mode. It is my co-favorite alongside the Jazz Masters on Verve. Nina's voice was at a creative peak. Each song stands out from the next. One could play this CD 1,000 times and never get tired. Each time the listener discovers new depth and meaning in Nina's singing. I prefer Nina during this mid-60's period to her later stint at RCA when she became too blues-oriented and political.

This CD displays Nina Simone in an intentionally un-eclectic light, showcasing her ballad work. While I would recommend the PolyGram Very best of to the uninitiated, I actually prefer this album because it only includes one or two of her most popular tracks. Naturally, anyone holding a PhD in voice is going to be incredible, but this is Nina Simone. There is a tenderness on this disc that I have only fleetingly encountered elsewhere. Nina's strengths are myriad, but her balladry cuts to the quick, and this collection remains unparalelled. She has been many things, from a political activist to a showtune diva, but it's in her quieter moments that you really feel the texture and implications of the voice that has never been equaled or surpassed. It's too bad taht her best-of collections are so uniform. Not to say that I don't like her when she's rolling, but it's this CD's gentle rock that will entrance. Needless to say, I could not recommend this disc more, especially for the already established fanbase.

This was the first CD of Nina Simone's that I ever owned. Although I wouldn't exactly recommend it as a newcomer's first taste of Nina's work due to the lack of variety (all of the songs on this collection maintain that sultry ballad factor), this is my favorite of her records. There's no denying that Nina had it. She didn't garner the title of "High-Priestess of Soul" for nothing. In every single one of these songs, you can feel that Nina's unleashing every inch of her soul to get the job done. Highlights for me are "Wild is the Wind," "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Little Girl Blue," and "End of the Line." Take this beautiful line from "Wild is the Wind":

"You touch me
I hear the sound of mandolins
You kiss me
With your kiss my life begins
You're spring to me
All things to me..."

I remember the first time I heard that, being speechless. Who would have thought that something so simple could mean so much? But of course, anytime Nina's behind the microphone, it's easy to be overwhelmed.
Buy this record. Whenever you've had a long day and maybe just want to sit back and enjoy what's left of the night, toss this CD in your player and let Nina melt your troubles away. Only a beautiful woman could have created such beautiful art.

Dim the lights and feel the music wash over you - that voice, so rich and soulful. Feel your soul spill out into the song's embrace.

From "Nobody" to "Little Girl Blue", Nina Simone is one of those rare singers who can take a song and BECOME it. Her version of "Porgy" is, by far, the best I've heard (and I'm a HUGE Billie Holiday fan).

So.. As the rain falls outside and the longing in your heart begins to swell, play this CD and let this amazing voice keep you company.

Nina Simone's After Hours is a great venue into Ms Simone's most remarkable talents. She is a remarkable musician, playing piano, composing and arranging that mixes well with a hauntingly beautiful voice. Those that have not heard her before are in for a treat with this Jazz Album. The selection of songs demonstrates the musical instrument for which she is most often remembered, a beautifully deep and rich singing voice. Do yourself a favor and try this selection one evening after work . . . Nina Simone, After Hours.

Incredible vocals, written with America and our political situation at the time in mind, but she puts it together to make it sweet not sour...
A Lovely Lady of Classic Blues and Jazz vocals.
It don't get much better,
This Lady is always a consistent 5 Star Artist.....her storytelling to music in her words is at times spellbinding.

Ms. Simone, is extraordinary. I just started to listen to her music and I have quickly become a great fan. Lilac Wine is one of the best. I just purchased the best of Nina Simone and I cannot wait to listen to it

This collection of ballads recorded during Simone's '64-'67 Phillips period are a testament to her power as a vocalist, pianist and arranger. These are daring, soul-baring interpretations, which may take some getting used to, but are not to be missed. Beautifully compiled and packaged.