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Essential Nina Simone
Nina Simone
Essential Nina Simone
Genres: Jazz, Pop, R&B, Broadway & Vocalists
 
Like Etta James, Nina Simone has often been larger than her material, and that's the case on much of this CD, selected from her recordings for RCA Victor in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Powerful and deeply personal song...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Nina Simone
Title: Essential Nina Simone
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: RCA
Original Release Date: 9/28/1993
Release Date: 9/28/1993
Genres: Jazz, Pop, R&B, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Vocal Jazz, Vocal Pop, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 078636630724, 0724358348750, 078636630724

Synopsis

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Like Etta James, Nina Simone has often been larger than her material, and that's the case on much of this CD, selected from her recordings for RCA Victor in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Powerful and deeply personal songs, such as "To Be Young, Gifted, and Black," "Sunday in Savannah," and the spirited, earthy "I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl," are mixed in with ephemeral songs by the Bee Gees' Gibb brothers. At other times, however, Simone's gospel-strong voice and emotional reserves are well suited to the superior rock and pop material, such pieces as Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" and Randy Newman's understated "I Think It's Going To Rain Today." While the Simone signature piano frequently gives way to folk guitar and studio orchestrations, the apparent conflict between singer and material may sometimes heighten these performances, emphasizing and isolating Simone's passionate, enduring vocals. In the case of songs like Jerry Jeff Walker's "Mr. Bojangles," the singer has simply proven herself more durable than the songs. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

Great music will always be great music
arisingstar | Tasmania, AUSTRALIA | 09/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!!!!"
Nina Simone is incredible
Michael J Craig | Princeton, NJ | 02/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Definitely buy this album. Losing yourself in Nina Simone's rich voice is a heavenly occurence."
I need her
bubbles | Hollywood, CA of course | 01/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."