Nina Simone A Single Woman – The Complete Elektra Recordings
This is considered the final studio work by North Carolina-born contralto/pianist/civil rights activist Nina Simone (1933-2003). The set was recorded between August/December 1992 & released in 1993. Initial songs represent an interesting variety of composers: Rod McKuen, Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II, the Bergmans with Michel Legrand, Harry Warren & some Nina Simone originals. Not exactly jazz standards, but a good cross-section of tunes by writers more at home with showtunes & balladry. But Ms. Simone respected them.
Though Nina had been known to cover a variety of genres, this showcase has bonus tracks. 11 previously unissued songs written by even more eclectic songwriters: Lennon-McCartney, Bob Dylan, Prince, Fats Waller, & Bob Marley. Obviously, late-career Nina was still spreading her wing span repertoire far & wide. The originals 1-10 were produced by Andre Fischer (1993) in CA & tracks 11-16 & 18 for a 2008 reissue. Tracks 17, 19-21 were previously unreleased.
This 21-cut Nina Simone – A Single Woman – The Complete Elektra Recordings (Dropped Nov 7/Omnivore Recordings/Warner-Elektra-Rhino/67:50) was produced for release by Cheryl Pawelski & David Nathan. The LP was recorded pristinely. Nina is in good voice, though a little more deeply saturated. The LP’s ”mood” with strings (“If I Should Lose You”) is reminiscent of Billie Holiday’s final studio LP, “Lady In Satin” with Ray Ellis. There’s a vibrancy coupled with a blue-hued resonance. Evident on “The Folks Who Live On the Hill.” It captures Nina with emotion, sophistication, trials & relevance.
The LP recorded 11 years before Nina’s passing left no hint as to why she never returned to the studio. But she certainly gave this set consideration. Many tunes are rendered with care & sincerity. Her Rod McKuen take of his lovely “Life’s Been Good To Me” is good but lacks the warm intonation & tone Frank Sinatra colored it with. It’s still a worthy selection. The few missteps: “The More I See You” & “The Long & Winding Road” — the latter a sweet pop standard, not too mainstream with the tonality Nina embodies. She’s not Ella Fitzgerald. Jack Sheldon’s trumpet sparkles.
Nina Simone admirers aren’t going to be disappointed. She understood her limitations & more importantly, what songs suited her showcase.
Highlights – “A Single Woman,” “Lonesome Cities,” “If I Should Lose You,” “The Folks Who Live On the Hill,” “Life’s Been Good To Me,” “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” & “Just Say I Love Him.” Bonus Tracks: “No Woman, No Cry,” & “Do I Move You?” (1 & 2).
Musicians – Michael Melvoin (piano), John Clayton, Jim Hugitart (bass), Jeffrey Hamilton & Paul Robinson (drums), Lefty Bunker (percussion), John Chiodini & Al Shackman (guitars). Arrangements: Jeremy Lubbock, John Clayton, Richard Evans, & Nina Simone.
A stitched David Nathan liner notes insert is included. CD photo courtesy of Carol Friedman. CD @ https://www.ninasimone.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Nina Simone – And Her Friends