Albums
emergency ward - nina simone

Emergency Ward

Nina Simone

1972
4 tracks
38 min
vocal jazz

Album Description

Nina Simone's 1972 album, Emergency Ward!, is a poignant and powerful statement on the Vietnam War, showcasing the artist's unique blend of vocal jazz, jazz blues, and soul. This avant-garde record is characterised by its improvisational nature, with Nina Simone varying the lyrics of the poems and songs, taking full responsibility for her creative expression.

The album features a mix of live and studio recordings, with the live tracks, including 'My Sweet Lord / Today Is a Killer' and 'Let It Be Me', captured at a performance in Fort Dix, New Jersey, in November 1971. The live A-side, 'My Sweet Lord / Today Is a Killer', is a standout track, showcasing Nina Simone's captivating stage presence and emotional delivery.

With only four tracks, including 'Poppies' and 'Isn't It a Pity', Emergency Ward! is a concise yet impactful record that firmly establishes its place in the context of 1972. The original cover art, adorned with newspaper headlines referencing the Vietnam War, serves as a reminder of the tumultuous times in which the album was created.

Throughout the record, Nina Simone's distinctive voice and genre-bending style shine, making Emergency Ward! a compelling and thought-provoking listen. As a testament to her innovative spirit and artistic vision, this album remains a significant part of Nina Simone's discography, and its themes and messages continue to resonate with audiences today.

1 jan 1972This compilation (P) 2011 Sony Music Entertainment

Tracks

My Sweet Lord / Today Is a Killer - Live at Fort Dix, NJ - November 1971Nina Simone
18:36
PoppiesNina Simone
4:10
Isn't It a PityNina Simone
11:10
Let It Be Me - Live at Fort Dix, NJ - November 1971Nina Simone
5:00

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About Nina Simone

Nina Simone, born Eunice Kathleen Waymon, was a towering figure in music and activism, known for her powerful voice and profound piano skills. Her music defied easy categorization, blending classical, jazz, blues, folk, gospel, R&B, and pop into a unique and captivating sound. Simone's piano playing was deeply influenced by baroque and classical music, particularly Johann Sebastian Bach, while her singing was expressive and jazz-infused, showcasing her remarkable contralto range. Beyond her musical prowess, Simone was a fierce civil rights activist, using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality. Her songs like "Mississippi Goddam" and "Young, Gifted and Black" became anthems for the movement. Simone's legacy endures as a testament to her artistic genius and her unwavering commitment to social change.

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