Customer Reviews

Essential Nina Simone

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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!

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.

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!!!!

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 ever seen on stage. I did not know or understand her message. Yet, in spite of my perception, she was singing something to me that I felt but did not comprehend. One cannot live outside of his/her experience. Now, 30 years later, I finally get it! This is an album which 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? Come home to North Carolina. I want to see another live performance!

to hear her voice and the music is really a special treat.she has so much power&feeling in her work that it is timeless.she is a true genius.

I could not live my life if it weren't for Nina Simone. Every ounce of what is felt is experienced when I listen to her. A blessed event.

I started getting familiar with Nina Simone's songs after I watched Briggit Fonda's 'The Assassin' in early 1990's. After then, I found Nina Simone's compilation album at local record store. Then I was and still crushed with her distinctive soul-jazzy vocal. This collection is highly recommended, especially since it has brother Gibbs (Robin, Barry, and late Maurice) compositions (I Can't See Nobody and To Love Somebody) which are screamed by the greatest Miss Nina Simone!!! Trust me!!! You have to get this collection one way or another...

Definitely buy this album. Losing yourself in Nina Simone's rich voice is a heavenly occurence.