Essential Nina Simone

Nina Simone | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 28, 1993)
• Original Release Date: September 28, 1993
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000002WPB
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #162,343 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Like Etta James, Nina Simone has often been larger than her material, and that's the case on much of this CD, selected from her recordings for RCA Victor in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Powerful and deeply personal songs, such as "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," "Sunday in Savannah," and the spirited, earthy "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl," are mixed in with ephemeral songs by the Bee Gees' Gibb brothers. At other times, however, Simone's gospel-strong voice and emotional reserves are well suited to the superior rock and pop material, such pieces as Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" and Randy Newman's understated "I Think It's Going To Rain Today." While the Simone signature piano frequently gives way to folk guitar and studio orchestrations, the apparent conflict between singer and material may sometimes heighten these performances, emphasizing and isolating Simone's passionate, enduring vocals. In the case of songs like Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles," the singer has simply proven herself more durable than the songs. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stupendous, January 16, 2000

By 

janetwall (North Carolina) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Nina Simone (Audio CD)

The great lady had done it again. Sitting in the audience at A & T State University in the 70's, I felt her to be one of the most arrogant and rude entertainers I had seen on stage. I did not know or understand her message. I only knew that in spite of my perception, she was singing something to me that I could not comprehend at that time. One cannot live outside of his/her experience. Now, 30 years later, I finally get it. This is an album I play over and over. Each time brings new discoveries. Only a piece like "Sunday in Savannah" captures the essence of small town America like no other. Where are you Nina? I want to see another live performance!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fall in love with nina, June 15, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Nina Simone (Audio CD)

this is a great foundation to nascent nina fans. listen to this cd often enough and you cannot help but be seduced by her voice and musicianship. there is something magical in the propinquity between her voice and the voice of the piano. combine this with her technical virtuosity, and truly great arrangements, and classic songs; and the result is magnificent. i also love her confidence, which shines through every song. so much so that on her version of george harrison's "isn't it a pity", ( which is one of the most compelling tracks), nina screws up the words. towards the end she sings " the beauty sap..." and then corrects herself , singing "the beauty that surrounds us." the recording is not live and any other artist would have re-recorded or over-dubbed. but to have the intelligence to leave in an imperfection is another aspect which gives this track its transcendence. i am also be awed by her interpretations- listen to mr. bojangles. irrefutable proof of musical genius is found on every track on this cd.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great music will always be great music, September 29, 2001

By 

"arisingstar" (Tasmania, AUSTRALIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essential Nina Simone (Audio CD)

Stating the obvious, Nina's voice is up there with the best of them... The Essential Nina Simone is an excellent "all 'round" album in that it gives a small taste of everything Nina sang and sang so well: blues, soul, gospel, rock, folk, R+B, etc.
It is an excellent tool for singers and instrumentalists alike: Nina also plays "league" piano and her arrangements are reflective of her ability and desire to get to the core message of the song and impart it as efficiently as possible - Nina makes the point, says what she feels about it and moves on. That is an Art! This is a great introductory CD for anyone just getting into jazz such as kids because usually their ears have to adjust from the pop/rock they are used to - I lend it to my own students in music. It is however, still resonably early jazz vocal music so be careful if you're looking for something more "beboppy" or avantgarde like Miles Davis or Kurt Elling. Having said this though, I love it all and I believe anyone serious about music should open their heart and mind to the whole deal otherwise you might just miss out.
This is music mainly for lovers of voice, and for those who get off on passionate discussion of human morale and values through song. It also makes for great background music if you want guests to relax.
This is a brilliant album that shouldn't ever collect dust. I own over about 250 cds not including tapes, LPs etc and this was one of the first I ever owned that has retained it's "GREAT" status.
You can trust me on this one!!!!