Nina Simone – The Artistry Of Nina Simone

Nina Simone – The Artistry Of Nina Simone

The Artistry Of Nina Simone is a compelling collection showcasing the extraordinary range of “Nina Simone” across soul, jazz, blues, folk and popular song. Issued by RCA International in the early 1980s, this 14-track compilation brings together some of the most distinctive performances from Simone's RCA period, including “Mr. Bojangles”, “I Shall Be Released”, “To Love Somebody”, “Ain't Got No - I Got Life” and “I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl”.

The recordings originate predominantly from 1966–1971, covering a particularly important period in Simone's career. Her RCA recordings found her moving confidently between jazz standards, blues, soul and contemporary singer-songwriter material, often transforming familiar songs into intensely personal performances. The collection includes material from Sings The Blues (1967), Nina And Piano! (recorded in 1968), To Love Somebody and Here Comes The Sun (1971).

Among the highlights is Simone's powerful interpretation of “I Shall Be Released”, alongside “Do What You Gotta Do”, “To Love Somebody” and “Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You”. The latter was recorded at RCA Studio B in New York on 1 October 1968, with Simone accompanying herself on piano.

The collection also includes “Mr. Bojangles” and “How Long Must I Wander”, both from Here Comes The Sun, recorded at RCA's New York studios in February 1971, while “Blues For Mama”, “Since I Fell For You” and “My Man's Gone Now” originate from the Sings The Blues sessions recorded in late 1966 and early 1967.

A strong introduction to Simone's RCA-era work, this LP is well suited to collectors of Nina Simone, soul, jazz, blues and classic vocal recordings, as well as listeners drawn to her remarkable ability to recast contemporary songs with her unmistakable voice and piano.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. Mr. Bojangles
2. I Shall Be Released
3. Do What You Gotta Do
4. Since I Fell For You
5. I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl
6. I Can't See Nobody
7. Ain't Got No - I Got Life

Side B

1. To Love Somebody
2. Turn Me On
3. Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You
4. Romance In The Dark
5. My Man's Gone Now
6. How Long Must I Wander
7. Blues For Mama