Prom 45: Mississippi Goddam: A Homage to Nina Simone - 21.08.19

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

19:30 Wednesday 21 August 2019
Royal Albert Hall


The life, work and legacy of great African-American singer-songwriter Nina Simone discussed by poet Zena Edwards and singer-musician Ayanna Witter-Johnson. Hosted by Kevin LeGendre. Produced by Zahid Warley

Ledisi (singer)
Lisa Fischer (singer)
Metropole Orkest
Jules Buckley (conductor)

Singer, songwriter, arranger and political activist – Nina Simone is a giant of jazz history. She’s celebrated here in all her guises in a concert led by Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, featuring titles including ‘Feeling Good’, ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ and ‘I Put a Spell on You’.

[LMcD]

Nina Simone

I'm a bit disappointed at the absence (thus far) of comments and analysis regarding this concert, especially as I inexplicably forgot to listen to it myself. (I do have one CD of songs by Nina Simone which I bought for £1 in a charity shop, but it doesn't get played that often and may well end up where it came from).

[Old Grumpy]

I'm a bit disappointed at the absence (thus far) of comments and analysis regarding this concert, especially as I inexplicably forgot to listen to it myself. (I do have one CD of songs by Nina Simone which I bought for £1 in a charity shop, but it doesn't get played that often and may well end up where it came from).

I have not listened to it either, but certainly intend to. It is to be broadcast on BBC4 television as well on Friday 30 August. My TV recorder should be already set.

OG

[cloughie]

I'm a bit disappointed at the absence (thus far) of comments and analysis regarding this concert, especially as I inexplicably forgot to listen to it myself. (I do have one CD of songs by Nina Simone which I bought for £1 in a charity shop, but it doesn't get played that often and may well end up where it came from).

Nina Simone was a superb musician, her vocal style distinctive, diction clear and sang everything as though she meant it, unlike the singer last night who for me was a poor choice - another Proms crossover travesty! LMcD have a listen or two to your CD - you may well choose to keep it. Listen before you iplay last night’s prom and then decide which you prefer!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Nina Simone was a superb musician, her vocal style distinctive, diction clear and sang everything as though she meant it, unlike the singer last night who for me was a poor choice - another Proms crossover travesty!

Exactly how I felt, cloughie - I did give it about half-an-hour before deciding that a Poirot repeat on ITV3 would be better for my blood pressure, do perhaps it got better after I stopped listening. But, like the Bowie Prom three years ago ... well, a half-decent tribute act in the back of a pub would have been more uplifting.

[LMcD]

Nina Simone was a superb musician, her vocal style distinctive, diction clear and sang everything as though she meant it, unlike the singer last night who for me was a poor choice - another Proms crossover travesty! LMcD have a listen or two to your CD - you may well choose to keep it. Listen before you iplay last night’s prom and then decide which you prefer!

I NEVER cull a CD before listening to it again - and in some cases there is a reprieve.

[Master Jacques]

But, like the Bowie Prom three years ago ... well, a half-decent tribute act in the back of a pub would have been more uplifting.

Perhaps rather too many of the Proms this year have felt like "half-decent tribute acts", dedicated to dead or declining artists!

[Stanfordian]

Nina Simone was a superb musician, her vocal style distinctive, diction clear and sang everything as though she meant it...

Hello cloughie,

She certainly was a superb singer - A one-off! A voice that grew on me over the year. I reckon the sheer distinctness of Simone's voice is a massive problem for others who sing songs she made famous.

[cloughie]

Hello cloughie,

She certainly was a superb singer - A one-off! A voice that grew on me over the year. I reckon the sheer distinctness of Simone's voice is a massive problem for others who sing songs she made famous.

I think Cassandra Wilson comes close, she heavily influenced The Animals sand Alan Price who did credible versions of her songs but the other great thing about Nina was how shaped others’ songs and made them her own - is there a better version of the Bee Gees’ ‘To love somebody’? She set out to become a Classical pianist but as with others, notably Roberta Flack, her race and gender were not in her favour at the time and went on to use her talents in other genres very successfully.

[Stanfordian]

I think Cassandra Wilson comes close, she heavily influenced The Animals sand Alan Price who did credible versions of her songs but the other great thing about Nina was how shaped others’ songs and made them her own - is there a better version of the Bee Gees’ ‘To love somebody’? She set out to become a Classical pianist but as with others, notably Roberta Flack, her race and gender were not in her favour at the time and went on to use her talents in other genres very successfully.

When Simone sings 'Mr. Bojangles' it nearly has me in tears. In my view Simone's voice is totally distinctive as are the voices of Ester Philips and Aretha Franklin but not to the same degree.

Her 1966 album 'Wild Is the Wind' is my personal favourite album. However, the album 'The Best of Vina Simone' is a very fine introduction to her supreme talents.

[cloughie]

When Simone sings 'Mr. Bojangles' it nearly has me in tears. In my view Simone's voice is totally distinctive as are the voices of Ester Philips and Aretha Franklin but not to the same degree.

...and Roberta Flack again not to same degree.

[Stanfordian]

Not in my book. I love Roberta Flack's voice which is superb but for me it doesn't have the sheer distinctiveness of Simone's. That's how it is for me.

[LezLee]

I generally don't like female singers but Nina Simone is so unlike anyone else! I found a box set in an Oxfam shop for £5 and it's wonderful.

[Padraig]

I heard a small bit of the programme and was disappointed with the singing. Cloughie has said it all - any CD will do to bear out his praise. Nina Simone could express every emotion from tenderness to rage, and it is wonderful to hear her so doing, and to empathise. I always return to one song - not necessarily her best - because it shows her in action with other like musicians in a standard number - For All We Know. Piano guitar and bass become a quartet, and this song a chorale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6proYaAfwtM

I regret that the sound is poor, but there is a version on the Blues CD.

[DracoM]

Agree with cloughie too.