Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big band jazz fan? This is the Simone to start with., May 24, 2002
This CD explores Nina Simone's full range with some of her best songs in different genres. Yes, I know this is the Compact Jazz series, but there are several blues songs, swing songs, and even a good old fashioned get-up-and-let-the-Spirit-move-you gospel song. Normally, I would go through each song and tell you which belongs to which category, conveniently leaving out the songs I don't like. But I love all of these songs. If you listen to one song on this album and enjoy it, it's safe to say that you'll enjoy the entire CD, despite how different the songs are. I've bought a few of Nina Simone's blues-only albums, and I don't think my soul is tormented enough to appreciate the continuing angst. I always come back to this album, which puts out the blues, then kicks it up with the jazz. I'll just highlight two tracks. I've always thought that there is absolutely no reason that a song has to be over 3 or 4 minutes long. Any playtime after that is just stroking the performer's ego. SINNERMAN proved me wrong, clocking in at a whopping 9 minutes. I wish it were longer. Second point, combine the lyrics with Nina Simone's arrangement of MOOD INDIGO, and you come about as close as you can get to complete musical bliss.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Compact Jazz Is A Classic Compilation, April 13, 2005
I absolutely LOVE this CD! I couldn't wait to get it in the mail. I specifically bought it for one song, "Feeling Good". I heard a snippet of this song a long while back while watching a commercial for the HBO series "Six Feet Under". I knew I'd heard the song before and then "Point Of No Return" starring Bridget Fonda came on television. There was that song again. In fact this CD features some of the music requested by the character in that movie. So I ordered the CD and to say I am pleased is an understatement.
There is such a diverse collection of songs on here for any type of mood you're in. I will admit it took me getting a little bit older to really appreciate the clarity, tone, and spirit of Ms. Simone's music but better late than never. I agree with all of the previous reviewer's thoughts. I thought there was no way I would listen to Sinnerman, a 10 minute song, but I couldn't turn it off. This is not a CD that you can just put on while doing a whole bunch of other things. The music commands you to stop, pay attention and listen. You'll feel it in your bones. I can't say enought about this CD, just buy it, I guarantee you'll have it in heavy rotation.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Journey to Loving Jazz and Blues, July 30, 2000
With this particular collection of her works, Nina sent me down the path to loving jazz and blues. Starting with track 1 My Baby Just Cares for Me to the the song Brown Eyed Handsome Man, I knew I was hooked and have been for many years to her cool, beautiful voice. This collection is a great selection of her works and well worth having.
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by Nina Simone 
