Nina Simone's 1969 album, 'To Love Somebody', is a masterful collection of covers that showcases the legendary jazz singer-songwriter's unique ability to reinterpret and reimagine the works of others. Released in the same year as her critically acclaimed 'Nina Simone and Piano' and swiftly following the unexpected success of ''Nuff Said!', this album is a testament to Simone's boundless talent and creative energy.
Featuring a diverse range of tracks, including the Bee Gees' titular 'To Love Somebody', Leonard Cohen's 'Suzanne', and Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are A-Changin'', Simone brings her signature heartfelt and passionate style to each song, making them her own. With her vibrant dynamism and convincing emotional delivery, she weaves a sonic tapestry that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Recorded live at the 10th Annual Antibes-Juan-Les-Pins Jazz Festival, as well as at Teatro Sistina in Rome, 'To Love Somebody' is an album that pulsates with the excitement and energy of live performance. Simone's soulful, jazz-infused voice soars on tracks like 'I Shall Be Released' and 'Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues', while her poignant renditions of 'Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There Is a Season)' and 'Revolution (Pt. 1 & 2)' demonstrate her remarkable range and versatility.
With its rich blend of vocal jazz, jazz blues, soul jazz, and soul, 'To Love Somebody' is an album that will captivate and inspire fans of Nina Simone and jazz enthusiasts alike. Released on the RCA/Legacy label, this 33-minute masterpiece is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of reinterpretation and the timeless beauty of Simone's voice.
Vinylscout
