The High Priestess of Soul

Tough. Today's post is tough.

This woman, a multiple Grammy Award winner, inspired scores of artists today. From Lennon to Aretha to Buble, her voice, style and panache put a spell over whomever happened to be fortunate enough to hear. She studied Classical Piano at Julliard, settled in Europe after a divorce, and passed away mourned by thousands. The silencing of her voice was a small but poignant loss in a discordant world. Nina Simone's contribution to the world of music was both lush and expansive. Her life was as varied and eclectic as the genres she spanned. From Pop to Gospel to Jazz, Nina seemed to take the best of what was presented, and left those around her in wonderment.

Nina's songs, at the outset, were always wonderful. A vibrant voice atop melodies either classic (Gershwin's "I Loves you Porgy", for example), or more contemporary (she coupled with the likes of Ellington and Armstrong), Nina would overcome people with her vocal styling and stage presence. Subtly, however, one could detect a trace of pathos, resignation and regret with almost anything she sang... even in "Feeling Good," from her album I Put a Spell on You.

What we came for today, however, is Nina's rendition of "Here Comes the Sun" from the album of the same name. While more uptempo than the original, combined with a different musical arrangement, "Sun" was a wistful rendition of the Beatles ballad that evoked both longing and questioning within at least this listener. Is it "all right?" Does she really miss me after the winter? Is this the musical equivalent of a "Dear John" letter?

One thing is for sure, my words cannot do this song, nor this woman, Justice. Listen. Then, when you mature a little, listen again. This one is kinda amazing in this regard.



Thanks for the week.
-om