Nina Simone (1964) -Broadway Blues Ballads

Artist: Nina Simone
Albums: Broadway Blues Ballads
Released: 1964
Quality: mp3 CBR 320
Size: 82 MB

There's a lot more Broadway and a lot more ballads than blues on this, which ranks as one of her weaker mid-'60s albums. Almost half the record features Broadway tunes on the order of Cole Porter and Rodgers & Hammerstein; most of the rest was composed by Bennie Benjamin, author of her first-rate "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," which the Animals covered for a hit shortly afterwards (and which leads off this record). The other Benjamin tunes are modified uptown soul with string arrangements and backup vocals in the vein of "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," but aren't in the same league, although "How Can I?" is an engaging cha cha. Besides "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," the album is most notable for the great "SeeLine Woman," a percolating call-and-response number that ranks as one of her best tracks. The CD reissue includes the strange bonus cut "The Monster," an odd attempt at a soul novelty tune. ~ Richie Unterberger

Nina Simone (2003) -Gold

Artist: Nina Simone
Album: Gold
Released: 2003
Label: Universal
Quality: FLAC (tracks) / mp3 CBR 320
FLAC size: 363+430 MB
mp3 size: 318 MB

Nina Simone's singing and piano playing remain timeless beyond fads, trends, and what the mass media deem worthy. This two-CD, 38-track collection (including two remixed cuts) is a solid representation of what Simone meant to all women who are repressed, confined, suffocated, or mistreated. With expertly expressed ballads, blues, protest, and breakup songs, much of her finest material is here, including some less familiar tunes from her repertoire, à la "Work Song." "My Baby Just Cares for Me," "Mississippi Goddam," "I Put a Spell on You," "I Loves You, Porgy," "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," "Little Girl Blue," and a few interpretations of poignant Billie Holiday numbers are also here, as expected. This is an excellent collection for the novice or fan, and comes easily recommended. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide

Nina Simone (1959) -The Amazing Nina Simone

Artist: Nina Simone
Album: The Amazing Nina Simone
Released: 1959 (Colpix Records)
Re-released: 2005 (EMI)
Quality: FLAC (tracks)
Size: 282 MB

There is a remarkable amount of variety on this disc, Nina Simone's second recording. Her repertoire ranges from a swinging "Stompin' at the Savoy" and an emotional "It Might as Well Be Spring" to an English folk ballad ("Tomorrow"), spirituals, an R&B song ("You've Been Gone Too Long") and the theme song from the movie Middle of the Night. Somehow Simone brings credibility to each of these very different songs. She does not play much piano (just cameos on two songs) and is backed by a subtle orchestra arranged by Bob Mersey that is effective accompanying her vocals. This session finds Nina Simone's voice in top form and with a few exceptions is generally jazz-oriented. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracklist:
1. Blue Prelude
2. Children Go Where I Send You
3. Tomorrow (We Will Meet Once More)
4. Stompin' At the Savoy
5. It Might As Well Be Spring
6. You've Been Gone Too Long
7. That's Him Over There
8. Chilly Winds Don't Blow
9. Theme From "Middle of the Night"
10. Can't Get Out of This Mood
11. Willow Weep For Me
12. Solitaire

Bonus tracks
13. I Loves You Porgy
14. Falling In Love Again (Can’t Help It)
15. That’s All
16. The Man With A Horn

Personnel:
Nina Simone - vocals, piano
Bob Mersey – arrangement

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