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Rating:
THE REVIEW
Ahhh, Nina Simone, that ugly, ugly woman with a magnificent angelic voice, battered on her piano to lead us into rapture note after note. I chose this collection because I needed one of her albums for a trip, and after a sweep through the shelf at the dear "Psycho" store, I caught a glimpse of the face appearing in the corner of the cover: but that's Dianne Reeves!!! And who is Dianne Reeves? Well, obviously, I don't know, but the two aged clerks at "Psycho" told me that she's a fundamental jazz singer of our time... oh well... then I went back home, never mind the consecutio temporis, and slid the CD into the player.
After a first track of vocals alone that flows majestically like a mass, here's the masterpiece, the song that made me dance and sweat with passion: "Four Women," simply a precious little lace made with love between the thighs of a Mississippi peasant woman. A slow and sumptuous heartbeat accompanies the few chords of the piece that could belong on an album by the Bad Seeds, or Scott Walker... pure musical ecstasy and immediate drowning sensuality. Joy for my sterile ears... why seek modern vibrations if the past holds such precious gems? Well... And here's "Wild Is The Wind," Nina's dark and thundering voice covering the tide of instruments: exceptional. "Don't Smoke in Bed" not only denounces an unruly habit but takes a classic standard to its extreme consequences: pauses and surges of piano and voice lull you (in a good way, of course); listening is recommended immersed in a bathtub with a Martini in hand and your woman massaging your back, uncertainly following the vocalizations of the Black Goddess. Undoubtedly brings to mind, quite pleasantly I'd say, Antony and his Johnsons, who have learned a great deal from this great performer/author and have been able to rework this language in a more contemporary and "pop" key. "Lilac Wine" is the song Jeff Buckley reinterpreted in "Grace": a classic song in the true and deep sense of the term, moving in both lyrics and music, enriched by slight touches of percussion and strings... with a powerful voice and a mighty piano technique providing reinforcement. All great female performers have learned from this immense woman who, with a barrage of impressive pieces: "Don't Explain" (Damien Rice, remember?) "Be My Husband" (the aforementioned Antony) "If I Should Lose You" imparts a lesson in black music to be kept in the drawer of precious memories until death prevents us from listening to music anymore... perhaps, who knows.
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Summary by Bot
This review praises Nina Simone's unmatched vocal power and piano technique showcased in 'The Ultimate Nina Simone' collection. Highlighting standout tracks like 'Four Women' and 'Wild Is The Wind,' the reviewer emphasizes the album's deep emotional and sensual impact. The connection to modern artists influenced by Simone underscores her enduring legacy in jazz and soul music.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
01 Blue Prelude (00:00)
03 Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
04 The Other Woman (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
05 You Can Have Him (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
06 Summertime (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
07 Cotton Eyed Joe (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
08 Wild Is The Wind (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
09 Fine And Mellow (Live At Town Hall) (00:00)
11 Nina's Blues (Live At Newport Jazz Festival) (00:00)
12 Children Go Where I Send You (00:00)
13 Gin House Blues (00:00)
14 I Love To Love (00:00)
16 Memphis In June (00:00)
17 Forbidden Fruit (00:00)
18 Tomorrow (We Will Meet Once More) (00:00)
20 It Might As Well Be Spring (00:00)
21 That's Him Over There (00:00)
22 Chilly Winds Don't Blow (00:00)
23 Can't Get Out Of The Mood (00:00)
25 Baubles Bangles And Beads (00:00)
26 Merry Mending (00:00)
32 Come On Back, Jack (00:00)
33 Black Swan (Live At Carnegie Hall) (00:00)
34 If You Knew (Live At Carnegie Hall) (00:00)
35 The Twelfth Of Never (Live At Carnegie Hall) (00:00)
36 Gimme A Pigfoot (00:00)
37 Hush Little Baby (Live At Carnegie Hall) (00:00)
38 Little Liza Jane (Live At Carnegie Hall) (00:00)
40 I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl (00:00)
41 Golden Earrings (00:00)
42 My Ship (00:00)
43 Od Yesh Homa (00:00)
44 The House Of The Rising Sun (Live At The Village Gate) (00:00)
47 Hey Buddy Bolden (00:00)
Nina Simone
Nina Simone (born Eunice Kathleen Waymon) was an American singer, pianist, songwriter, and civil-rights activist. Blending jazz, blues, gospel, and classical training, she earned the moniker “High Priestess of Soul.” Her recordings and performances became cornerstones of 20th‑century music and social commentary.04 Reviews
