I didn't really know where to start this thread, but I figured jazz would be as good a place as any.
Last night as I was driving home I popped in the first Nina Simone music I had ever heard, and it was one of those moments when you know that you have just added something to your music collection that is much much better than most of what you have. The cd I picked up was just a greatest hits- jazz masters 17, and I am really curious to hear some more of her music.
Start the thread in Jazz, start the thread in General Music Discussion, start the thread on my forehead with a sharpie, klt, I'm just tickled to be chattin' about Nina Simone!
I'm not surprised you liked her so much on first listening. You tend to like artists who break down barriers between genres and Simone consistently did that through her career. In fact, you will probably be happy to hear that she did a great cover of Randy Newman's "Baltimore" over the course of her career not to mention Gilbert O'Sullivan's "Alone Again Naturally," Hall & Oates' "Rich Girl," and Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where the Time Goes."
The only bad news I have to offer is that Jazz Masters 17 is only a so-so collection of her work. The good news is there is so damn much good stuff out there for you to check out.
Simone's debut Little Girl Blue is readily available on CD. Not only does it feature her classic recording of "My Baby Just Cares for Me," but it also spotlights her terrific skills as a pianist. She was accepted to Julliard as a pianist, which tends to be overlooked because of her unique vocal stylings.
There is some repetition of that first album with RCA's comprehensive Anthology, but it's worth it to have such a great overview of her career. In fact, it may be second only to Capitol's Merle Haggard collection in terms of sheer scope.
Now Playing: The Muppets' Wizard of Oz <-- dunno if it's going to be any good, but I loves me some muppets
Posts: 1584 | Location: Bloomington, IN | Registered: 23 May 2004
If this Jazz Masters is only so-so as far as her work is concerned, then I'm officially converted for life. Thanks for the recommendations, I can't wait to get started with some of her albums. There's nothing like finding a great artist for the first time. One question though, in the liner notes for the comp I got it mentions that her version of 'I Put a Spell on You' was a big influence on The Beatles Michelle. I'm not hearing how this influenced that song at all, but maybe I just need to pull out my Beatles albums again. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
Went a little Nina Simone crazy this weekend and picked up a couple more things of hers from the used cd store.
The Legendary Nina Simone- a three cd Australian import set that seems to be a pretty good overview even though it is missing some of what are apparently her classic songs.
a twofer cd with the albums 'Pastel Blues' and 'Let It All Out.' The highlight of this set for me was hearing her version of the old song 'sinnerman,' a cool traditional of which I have several versions. Simone's might be the best after 1 listen. Anyway...I'm sold on this lady bigtime. I'll be keeping my eye out for more of her albums for sure.
Originally posted by keylimetrev: One question though, in the liner notes for the comp I got it mentions that her version of 'I Put a Spell on You' was a big influence on The Beatles Michelle. I'm not hearing how this influenced that song at all, but maybe I just need to pull out my Beatles albums again. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
This comment was news to me as well, klt, though I've subsequently seen several references to it online. I did exactly what you suggested and I don't hear it myself.
It would be funny and a little sad to seek out the original source of the observation and see if it has simply been copied as gospel by other writers.
Now Playing: Symphony No. 8 "Unfinished" Franz Shubert (perf. Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra dir. Eugene Ormandy)
Posts: 1584 | Location: Bloomington, IN | Registered: 23 May 2004
That Jazz Masters 17 is the same one I have had in my collection for many years! I have a bunch of those Verve comps that were very cheap at the time of purchase. I'm a sucker for See-Line Woman.
"If it were beneficial, their father would produce children already circumcised from their mother. Rather, the true circumcision in spirit has become profitable in every respect." -Jesus, from the Gospel Of Thomas
I loooove Nina Simone. She is one of my favorite artists. Sinnerman was the first song of hers that I heard and loved. Wild is the wind has to be my all time favorite. Mississippi God Damn and Pirate Jenny are amazing. I wish I had gotten the chance to see her before she died!
