Customer Reviews

Forever Young Gifted & Black: Songs of Freedom

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

We have several Nina re-releases of her marvelous RCA era - now on this issue, at last, we have the full recording of my all time Simone favourite, "Why the King of Love Is Dead".
At last we hear the song, the passion in all its glory and hellfire anger. Tell you what folks - I have heard this song often before (in edited 5 minute sound bites) - hearing the full (12.55) version will leave you drained - I cried the first and second time I listened it was so moving.
I reckon RCA must have quaked at its message. Despite the "I ain't about to be non violent honey" rhetoric - this is the most forgiving and humane message song ever recorded.

Please Andy Stroud and Lisa Kelly, executors of Nina's estate, release the full and unexpurgated version of the April 7, 1968 Westbury Music Fair concert. It has to be the ultimate testomony to an icon of the 20th century.
Then if RCA/BMG can keep their nerve release all the 1967 to 1974 material Dr Simone recorded/outakes and all. We would learn much for decades to come.

I have loved Nina Simone's ferocity and intelligence and music forever. She is very very real. a resource to draw upon in this dark time when truth seems scarce. I give this album 5 stars on the strength of the single track that I've heard...West Wind. I heard this song on the radio while I was driving late one night recently and was transported by its power. An African prayer for transcendence, the song begins in a whisper and builds slowly upon the accompaniment of a band of truly master drummers to a place of shining mystery, freedom, and release. Nina sings with breathtaking wisdom fully aware of all complacent dangers, praying for us all to be taken up and lifted to safety. Nina for president!!

I bought this album for all the songs but primarily for the song 'I Wish' which i have known for a long time but did not attribute it to Nina. I cant stop listening to that song. I havent even listened to some of the others yet. Not to worry, I can swear for them. Nina has never let me down. She is a Demi-God(dess). She can really transport you to another place that is rich and full of soul and empowering and BLACK. She brings to life all the pain of the Black struggle. She makes it palpable. But her singing resonates with everyone of every race. Superb. Long Live Nina. Forever Young, Gifted and Black.Abbey Sings Abbey

Wow! Talk about a powerful combination of music, words, and spirit. It sends a chill down my spine every time I listen, knowing most of the songs were recorded live just three days after the murder of Dr. King. It was a genuine Pearl Harbor moment for the country, but especially so for the African American community. Simone, the band, and the audience must have all still been numb. But the music is healing, and the lyrics triumphantly convey one of the spiritual messages of the Civil Rights movement--to resist hatred with perseverance, good-will, and forgiveness. The eclectic song list includes stand-outs such as "I Wish I Would Know How It Would Feel to be Free" and "Backlash," as well as covers of the Beatles, Byrds, and Dylan. "Why" was written by one of Simone's band-members and contains all of the raw emotion one would expect. As toe-tapping as the CD gets, this is music one clearly LISTENS to in order to take in the words, transport oneself back to that time and place, and experience the palpable emotions. As another user review puts it, the show truly does "transport you to another place that is rich and full of soul..." In Simone's own words, the show is less "performance," more "reality." Simone's dialogue with the audience is fascinating. There is grief, defiance, and understandable anger. Yet despite the rawness of the emotions, the feelings are never permitted to boil over, and the words remain on message: perseverance, good-will, and forgiveness. This is a genuine slice of music history. Highly highly recommended.

Nina Simone is one of the best jazz/blues singers ever recorded. she brings a 1940's tone to 1960' songs. she is deep in tone and in thought.

An historic march to Washington DC took place in 1963 for Equal Rights. Nina Simone is giving the remembrance of what happened in her genuine, outspoken, heartfelt way.
Some of the songs were just written, like that about the death of Rev. Martin Luther King, shortly before she sings them.Together with the muscians she has created an unforgettable image of an unforgettable time.

G A Lankester's review is right on except the Westbury performance referred to is part of the RCA catalog and it is up to Sony/BMG what version is released.

Also, only Lisa Kelly is the administrator of her mother's estate.