Although she died (at age 70) back in 2003, singer, songwriter, pianist and social activist Nina Simone is possibly more influential today than she was during her halcyon performing years. She started out as a pop/jazz/classical pianist and vocalist and gradually became a spokeswoman for various causes. Here are a pair of recent releases, one of Ms. Simone’s 1957 debut album (originally on Bethlehem Records) and then a tribute by R&B vocalist Ledesi. Let’s compare and contrast.
Ledesi brings the more lush and dramatic orchestral atmosphere of Ms. Simone, supported by either the Metropole Orkest or The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. There’s a haunting hint of rural Southern lilt as she melds pop and R&B on a dramatic “Feeling Good”, while she goes bold and Broadway on “Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don’t Leave Me)”. With graceful nylon guitar, she’s intimate on a concert rendition of “Wild Is The Wind” and does some easy swing on a studio take of “My Baby Just Cares For Me”. Most riveting is a teaming of guests Lizz Wright, Alice Smith and Lisa Fischer all sharing the various roles in an earthy and penetrating take of “Four Women”. Simone dressed to kill.
Simone’s own debut back in ’57 has her presented as the next best thing in jazz, teamed up with bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath in a swinging trio format. She shows chops and clever ideas on an upbeat take of “Mood Indigo” and displays impressive chops on the hip “Central Park Blues”. Her classical background is in the foreground on a dramatic “You’ll Never Walk Alone” while she lurks around and misty “Good Bait”. Vocally, she steams out a sensuous “Don’t Smoke In Bed”, perfectly times a Basie beat on “My Baby Just Cares For Me” and gives a husky bop to “Love Me Or Leave Me”, showing a portend of things to come on a folksy “Plain God Ring”. Simone says.