Search - Nina Simone :: Finest Hour

Nina Simone finally returns home to North Carolina..........

(Mr.) N. Sean Wright | Whiteville, NC USA | 05/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"......and takes residence in my music collection.

I cannot remember ever being so pleased with a

purchase. This CD not only lives up to

its title, but it also adds further splendor and

dignity to the musical legacy of Nina Simone. Prior

to this CD, I was only remotely familiar with

Simone; mainly by virtue of commercial allusions

or literary accounts of her contributions. Also,

I had been listening to this very recording at work

through computer speakers. HOWEVER, once I heard it at

home, out loud and in surround sound, it left me with

no doubt that Nina Simone added irrefutable substance

to the trite expression: "musical genius."



One could write volumes about the voice alone. In my

opinion it was not a beautiful voice, but rather

an essential tool used toward the construction of

a solid, multi-layered musical palace. Simone's

voice is comparable to that of Maria Callas in

the opera realm: not necessarily the most beautiful,

but by far, the most capable of conveying the

emotional stance of the character/composer.

Both singers were highly aware of their

vocal instrument; proficiently utilizing

it to display the dynamics

of love/hate/joy/despair (et al.) with a frank,

virtuoso flair that not only fell pleasantly on

the ears, but also resounded brilliantly with emotional authenticity.

In the jazz realm, Nina Simone, with her majestically

agile contralto, was unsurpassable in terms of

providing color and life to a song.



In perfect conjunction with the voice is

Simone's amazing musicianship. Her classical

piano training envelopes each composition

and sells it, Donald Trump-style. The arrangements

are intelligent, never overpowering, and replete

with a unique jazz/classical hybrid. From the

opening bars of any given composition, the

listener knows that a masterwork is in the making.

I found myself alternately listening to just

the music or the voice alone. Either way,

the result is the same. Simone's style

adds that subtle element of "cool" that makes

jazz so unspeakably enjoyable.



I could also comment on her life as an activist

or as a staunch supporter of artistic freedom,

but I'll concentrate on the music for now.



Nina Simone's "Finest Hour" is a perfect addition

for longtime fans as well as a bright point of

departure for newfound admirers. A five star

rating doesn't measure even a tenth of the

greatness of this CD. Thank you, Amazon.com for

the availability of this recording

and thank you, God, for Nina Simone."

Great for getting your feet wet

Cynthia Santos Bravo | Los Angeles, CA | 11/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nina Simone's collection is as extensive as her genius; I simply did not know were to begin. This collection is a great place to begin your journey and experience her captivating lyrical style and fluctuation into dramatic performances. The finest hour gives you a good first look into her artistry and how far it stretches."