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I always feel at least a little bit foolish when I discover an artist
long after the rest of the world. Nina Simone had a long and
successful career before her death two years ago at the age of 70.
And I'd heard of her without really hearing her, if you know
what I mean. That changed when I discovered this collection. It's
called Love Songs, although the selection is broader than a
title like that implies. And Ms. Simone's interpretation of these
songs is distinctive. Starting with
Cherish
that old
Association
hit I've loved just shy of forever. This version brings shivers;
Ms. Simone brings qualities to the song I never would have guessed
could be there. She gives new life to
The
Bee Gees with
To
Love Somebody and
Dusty
Springfield
on
The
Look of Love. And her take on
Leonard
Cohen's
Suzanne
is a masterpiece.
If you already know and love Nina Simone, what can I say? I'm slow.
But if you haven't discovered her yet, you and I have a lot of amazing
listening ahead of us.
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