Customer Reviews

Jazz Icons: Nina Simone - Live in '65 & '68

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This is a powerful video of old performances, done in her active time in the USA civil rights movement. It's still strong, relevant and artistic, though moving and even risking offence to some. It's instructive also, showing a mature, committed, intense artist in control of material, techniques and the attentive audience itself. Worthwhile.

I have adored this Diva since age 12 in 1965 and "I put a spell on you". Strangely until I viewed this DVD I had not even been touched so forcibly by the human rights issues - yes I knew they were there but not one after another and another - NO! Blame me for living in UK!
However, this DVD reinforces the strength of this great icon of the 20th century. I love and respect her even more now. The commitment and passion is so much more evident. Dr Simone - you are a saint - your approach laid the way for Barak.

If you want to understand why Nina Simone is the High Priestess of Soul, Get this DVD.

Reelin' In the Year productions are always first class. I have many of the Jazz Icon DVDs, Blues Festival DVDs, and their excellent Marvin Gaye, Temptations, and Stax Revue DVDs. (There's even more but you can look them up on their website). People are now trying to imitate them, but it's not quite the same, especially in the Jazz Icons area. These are the standard. You like Nina Simone? You'll love this DVD.

...in full throttle on this dvd as she takes command and delivers a plethora of musical vituosity. The selections include many favorites and a few surprises - with excellent backup ensemble - all handled with professional aplomb, musical acuity and... even a bit of humor. We have been served! If you did not know Nina before, you will walk away with a very good idea of who and what she was. I borrowed this dvd for research purposes, however, I will be adding this and other titles from the Jazz Icons series to my personal music library. Superb!