The Essential Nina Simone

Nina Simone was very active in the civil rights movement. She knew Martin Luther King. This is a great collection of her music, from 1959 to 1993, that is tragically still very relevant today. There are some very political songs, along with many love songs, songs of regret and yearning, and covers of songs by Sandy Denny, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Tina Turner, and others. My current favorite is "I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free" (1967). The traditional "Sinnerman" (1965), one of the longest tracks, is another that leaves me awestruck. There was a time when I considered her music to be of its time, an earlier time, and no longer what I wanted to hear. This 2-disc set has opened my ears to the stunning emotional and intellectual power of Nina Simone's music. It is a source of nourishment and strength in these dark days.

Wonderful Nina Simone comes shining through in this collection. Disc one is excellent and more originals, disc 2 more covers, but her voice and delivery are special on all.

I really loved the original early recordings: lovely renditions of soulful music on Disc 1. Disc 2 was nice, but does not have the depth of Disc 1.

I've been a long time fan of Ms. Simone and really enjoy this set. I've purchased it several times and given it away to people who haven't heard her! The assortment of music is wonderful, covers of others songs, jazz standards and her own music. Great to listen to in the car and sing along.

Good music, has the Sinnerman track I like from the second Thomas Crown Affair. I can listen to and enjoy all the tracks.

What else can I say! This is the incomparable NINA SIMONE !!!!!!!! I LOVE HER EVEN MORE NOW, because before I only knew some of her songs, but she is the MASTER AND AN UNMATCHED GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!! I recommend HIGHLY

While it's impossible to include a complete collection of Simone songs without leaving out a few gems, this one comes close. I could easily name about 5 or 6 Nina Simone stand-outs that are missing here. But why quibble? Nina is in fine voice throughout. Her singular sound and passionate delivery on such recordings as "I Put a Spell on You," "Strange Fruit," "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," "Ne Me Quitte Pas," "To Be Young Gifted and Black," and the forever-haunting "Four Women" all prove that few artists can create a lush mood, shatter perception or evoke real, raw emotion quite like the great Nina Simone. "Essential," indeed! This CD will remain in steady rotation on my stereo. One.

Wonderful 2 disc brand new.

懐かしく、好きな曲のオンパレード！！ 一つのCDとしての企画性には欠けるけれど、まさにニーナの魅力のessential！！ ニーナってどんな人と言われれば、黙ってこのCDを渡せば、その良さの全てがたちどころに理解できますヨ。

Many of the songs are insightful and round off one's appreciation of that aspect American society, and many others, including the experiences of so many aboriginal Australians.

Muy buen álbum!

Great collection, great price.

tres bon