Albums
pastel blues - nina simone

Pastel Blues

Nina Simone

1965
9 tracks
35 min
vocal jazz

Album Description

Nina Simone's 1965 masterpiece, Pastel Blues, is a seminal blues and soul album that continues to captivate audiences with its timeless elegance. Recorded in New York City between 1964 and 1965, this iconic LP showcases Simone's extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth, defying the gentle implication of its title.

The album features a diverse range of musical styles, seamlessly blending blues, jazz, soul, and folk to create a unique sound that is both haunting and beautiful. Standout tracks, such as the epic 'Sinnerman' and the haunting 'Strange Fruit', demonstrate Simone's innovative approach to music and her ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

With its release in October 1965, Pastel Blues peaked at number 139 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 8 on the Hot R&B LPs chart, solidifying Simone's position as a leading figure in the music world. The album's enduring influence is a testament to Simone's genius, and its re-issue in 2020 by Verve and Universal Music Enterprises has introduced her remarkable work to a new generation of fans.

Pastel Blues is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of vocal jazz, soul, and blues. Nina Simone's powerful, soulful voice and masterful piano playing make this album an unforgettable experience, and its influence can still be felt in music today. With a duration of just 35 minutes, the album may be brief, but its impact is immense, leaving a lasting impression on all who hear it.

Tracks

Be My HusbandNina Simone
3:20
Nobody Knows You When You're Down And OutNina Simone
2:38
End Of The LineNina Simone
2:54
Trouble In MindNina Simone
2:40
Tell Me More And More And Then SomeNina Simone
3:07
Chilly Winds Don't BlowNina Simone
4:00
Ain't No UseNina Simone
3:00
Strange FruitNina Simone
3:28
SinnermanNina Simone
10:22

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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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