Customer Reviews

In Concert/I Put a Spell on You

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Yesterday I got the news that Nina Simone had passed away; curiously enough I had been listening to some of her discs quite a bit of late. Her discography is extensive and consequently several "2-fer" disc have been released featuring two albums on one disc. This is one of those and features a fine collection of songs and a telling live performance. I say telling because Simone not only conveyed a message in her music but cajoled and incited her audience to feel the passion of her song. Simone was a superb story teller, a fine pianist and just happened to have one of those voices often imitated but never duplicated. Her voice had a shimmering , frolicking vibrancy that comes from living the emotions of her music. Her folk-jazz style was not only unique and provocative it was the music that reflected the times of the civil rights era in America. Her anti- racism anthems abound on the live performance, including "Old Jim Crow" which she co-penned and the scorching, seething "Mississippi Goddam" which she wrote. Although "Mississippi Goddam"is a scathing outcry of American injustice there is a jubilant feeling to the song. It is reminiscent of a lively spiritual or as she says"a show tune but the show hasn't been written for it yet." Although these songs of protest are powerful , for my money her real strength was in her bluesy-jazzy vocals like "I Put a Spell on You" and her signature song, which also happened to be her first "hit" in 1959, "I Loves You, Porgy." The second part of the disc has Simone doing more of her scat, jazz singing, even doing three French(where she eventually died) songs, including"Ne Me Quitte Pas"that features a soft, nasal Simone backed by a suttle orchestra. At other times the orchestra is too dominant and Simone becomes just another instrument in the band; she deserved first chair dominance . The several show tune type songs don't really work for me but is saved by songs like "Feeling Good" that some newbie audiences might recognize as sampled bits are featured on a recent Thievery Conspiracy mix. All in all there are enough great songs to make this budget priced disc worth your buying. Recommended for fans of fantastic, jazz female vocals that also has spirited civil rights, folksy, songs and even some light show tunes.

The music touches your heart, but for Nina to touch your soul you need to hear her in concert and on her collected works...She has been with me since the early 70's...no part of your music collection is complete or valid until Nina is part of your life and your love, because she is not only both, she is our Voice and our heart's lament, as well as our joy!

This is my favorite collection of Nina Simone. "In Concert" is a rare treat because it captures Nina in full force, playfully chiding her audience as she sings some of her most socially active songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "Pirate Jenny." "I Put a Spell on You" offers up such pearls as "Blues on Purpose," which showcases Nina on piano. She is such a great storyteller, and this concert is Nina at her best.

Nina really shines on this two-fer (2 albums compiled onto 1 CD), especially the concert one. Hear her joke, preen, charm and stimulate the audience thru her banter and mostly, her invigorating songs and singing. She really lets go on some of these songs during her concert, especially "Mississippi Goddam" and "Old Jim Crow", her "protest" songs against racism and social inequality. Considering these songs were done before the racial movement in late 60s, Nina was really ahead of her time. But it was never Nina's intention to fit in the mold, her music is a perfect example and may not be for everyone. But if you like to be stimulated by thought and emotions, then Nina Simone and her music is for you. The studio album is almost as good and Nina transcends the confines of the lame orchestrations, especially on "I Put A Spell on You", her sizzling version of the famous Screamin' Jay Hawkins song about an unfaithful lover.

Nina Simone captures you with her soulful vocals. I highly suggest "Go Limp" for a look at the lighter side of Nina Simone, its hard not to laugh out loud during this song. Nina Simone could sing a cereal box to me and I would be in heaven. Soulful, inspiring, playful. Nina Simone's selections are ecclectic, if you do not like one song keep listening, there is something for everyone, even remixes!!!

Nina really shines on this two-fer (2 albums compiled onto 1 CD), especially the concert one. Hear her joke, preen, charm and stimulate the audience thru her banter and mostly, her invigorating songs and singing. She really lets go on some of these songs during her concert, especially "Mississippi Goddam" and "Old Jim Crow", her "protest" songs against racism and social inequality. Considering these songs were done before the racial movement in late 60s, Nina was really ahead of her time. But it was never Nina's intention to fit in the mold, her music is a perfect example and may not be for everyone. But if you like to be stimulated by thought and emotions, then Nina Simone and her music is for you. The studio album is almost as good and Nina transcends the confines of the lame orchestrations, especially on "I Put A Spell on You", her sizzling version of the famous Screamin' Jay Hawkins song about an unfaithful lover.

I must first admit that I am a very big fan of Nina's. That being said this album is a very nice mix of live and studio songs. My absolute favorite song on the CD is "Tomorrow Is My Turn" - for that song alone the album is worth it's bargain price.

Her rich, one of a kind voice and soul-full piano has a beauty and resonance that is unsurpassed to this day. These songs come to life under her voice and are still relevant today.

Pick the album up, you will not be disappointed.