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This CD is Gold. Her name is Nina Simone and she is or was an awesome jazz singer, songwriter, piano player, and composer. She has been described as the high priestess of soul. She is incredible honest, forthright, singer with a wonderful full and round voice. Simone is greatly overlooked, underrated, unknown, and a great asset to the world of music.

Her post humorous CD is what clued me into the prolific work of Simone. The most striking thing about the singing of Simone is the pure without guile honesty. She does not embellish but just sings just straight out. Her voice comes at you straight out and in that style The Other Woman is particularly striking. Under another hand, it might sound vindictive but not under the straightforward hand of Simone.

Simone was born Eunice Waymon in February 21, 1933 but she changed her name. Simone was a daughter of a handyman and a housekeeper and grew up in North Carolina. She was one of seven children but began to show her interest in piano at the age of 4. She was classically trained piano player and even taught piano to supplement her income.

She wrote Mississippi Goddam, a personal, political, and powerful rebuke of the old American south. She delivers this song with the characteristic no hold back, no embellishment. Just powerful and straight up. The other song I'm really struck by is The Other Woman which was recorded live. I'm sure Simone sings it the way it was written. A little hard, with a little contempt but you're not even sure it is there. That is what good delivery is. It makes you wonder and search.

This CD is full of very good stuff. I wonder why Simone is not better known. She is a phenomenal singer. It may have to with her leaving the USA in favor of France. Simone is so original and fresh in a way that makes one wonder why hadn't someone done this before? Then again that is like saying why can't someone else sing Sunday Morning Coming Down like Johnny Cash? Simone like Cash was made that way.

David Nathan compiled this landmark soul CD for the Phillips Records label. It was released in 2007. Simone might begin to sound a little monotonous with the same pitch but then again her style is timeless, honest, and unhindered. I highly recommend this CD and have become a slightly obsessive fan.

Simone died in Carry Le Rouet, France on April 21st, 2003. According to www.ninasimone.com the MTV Flims/Paramount Pictures is working on the music of Simone and her relationship with her daughter.

/www.ninasimone.com

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