Customer Reviews

The Very Best Of Nina Simone, 1967-1972 : Sugar In My Bowl

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this album only because of the words that Lauryn Hill rapped on the last Fugees-album: "While you imitating Al Capone, I be Nina Simone..." And when I put on the two CD's I only had one problem: not being able to listen to all of my favourites at one time!!! Nina Simone picks songs that tell a story, whether it's being old, sad and alone or young, gifted and black. Her voice shows you emotion whether it's happiness, hope, self-love, heartbreak or pain (aka: the blues). When you're sad she tells you: ooh, child, things are getting a little easier - and best of all: you believe her. Her voice is unique and her piano-playing is breathtaking. It's one of those CD's that I will always cherish.

I was in Washington DC and heard this recording playing in a book & music shop. I immediately purchased it and could not be happier with it. I'd listened to a few Nina Simone classics while I was in college. The one that stays freshest in my memory is "My Man's Gone Now" from "Porgy & Bess" which Simone sings with so much pain and soul and sadness that one listens to the lyrics the way one almost never can when an opera singer does this number. The most surprising thing about this double cd album (which includes several never-before released songs and a bit of dialogue)is how well Simone sings every style of music: R&B, Jazz, Pop, Gospel, etc. You name it---it is on this album. My personal favorites are the more familiar songs which in Simone's hands become fresh and new: "I Get Along Without You Very Well," "Here Comes The Sun," "Mr. Bojangles" "Since I Fell For You" and, believe it or not, "Bacharach and David's "The Look of Love." Many of the songs are accompanied by full orchestra, but even when it's only her voice and her piano, she fills the room.

Nina Simone's voice can carry you on a journey of spiritual healing...you'll find your roots and put your soul to rest with her voice. She does more than sing, she howls, humms, skats, and sighs. She'll get your hands slapping together and singing ah-men! To own this CD is a treasure (although my favorite Simone song is not among them...there exists enough "shake your head, you can't believe the power of her voice" songs in its place.) Simone is a Billy Holiday and Sara Vaughn rolled together with more bass, and pain and heart than you think is possible.

this is a great compilation, but at least 9 of the strongest songs are available from the album Nina Simone/The Blues. If you are just getting into Nina this might be a cheaper alternative to a two disc set. on the other hand, I really love the previously unreleased songs on this one. overall, a strong fun compilation.

This CD captures Nina in all her glory and showcases the gifts that have made her a great storyteller and performer. All the songs here have a "message" to them, whether she speaks about the injustices of society, personal and social freedom, the pain of heartbreak, the joys of love, or just being yourself and accepting the person in the mirror. Listening to this CD reminds me just how lacking we are today of singers of Nina's stature. Thank goodness Nina recorded aplenty in her prime and this period is pretty much the cream of her crop. Her great gift at interpreting a song's meaning is unparalleled. The voice is strong, rich, and bold, even sensual when it needs to be---how could you not get what she is communicating. Be prepared to be moved and stirred by a great artist of any generation.

This is the set of CDs you want in the car for long rides or on the radio while puttering around the house. Her voice is like warm brandy, something to soothe you after a long day.

Nina Simone's 'I want some sugar in my bowl'is one of the greatest examples of how a song can transcend the musical element and become a political messanger, where the message becomes more thn the sum of its parts. There were better pianists that Nina Simone, and certainly prettier voices, but the selection in this CD show that there is no one with such an artistry. She basically invented what could be called the expressive bleat (with any other singer a major flaw). her cry is so direct, her sound so manly yet tender, this cd is a must.

I was not the biggest fan of blues but then I heard this
beautiful voice and I was converted and if you like blues
you will love this woman.Nina's voice is filled with felling
I almost cry when I hear strange fruit.Other songs like I
put a spell on you and black is the color of my true loves
hair make me feel like I'm part of a story and I love every second of it

Like all "Best of" albums, this one is uneven and contains some boring stuff, filler, lacks unity (especially disc 2). But it's worth it for the King suite alone (incredible historical monument, time encapsulated), also, but less so, her comments on "My father always promised us..." (previously unreleased). Turning Point (despite the atrocious violins) is one to teach your children. As for Nina herself, she has a kind of ease and way of phrasing which is incomparable!!

I first heard Nina Simone in the movie "Point of No Return".. In it was Sugar In My Bowl and Here Comes the Sun. I was just blown away by how much emotion was put into each word, each note.. It's like she puts HERSELF into her singing- it's AMAZING. I am only 25, so I don't know all of the older music.. but Nina Simone really caught my attention. I can't think of any group or singer today that really captures the raw emotions in the songs like she does. I know this CD is a little costly, more than I would usually pay for a cd, but I LOVE it and I think it was well worth the price and more.