Overview
This 3-CD career retrospective (1957-1993) includes
Nina Simone's work for the Bethlehem, Colpix, Philips, RCA, CTI
and Elektra labels.
It also features a DVD containing an Emmy-nominated,
never-before-released documentary from 1970.
54 songs, 8 previously unreleased tracks, including some never recorded elsewhere.
Nearly 4 hours of music.
Includes all chart hits (U.S. and U.K.) and her most
famous signature songs.
Many unique and rare live recordings of her classic
repertoire and the greatest album tracks from her
entire career.
Liner notes include track-by-track commentary
from Simone biographer David Nathan and introduction
by Ed Ward, NPR’s “rock & roll historian”
and Fresh Air correspondent.
Never-before-seen photos from her family archives,
recording sessions and performances.
Many of these are found in the new dynamic four disc (3 CD and 1 DVD set) To Be Free. Not only is this a collection of vintage songs written and recorded by Nina Simone, this is the soundtrack to American history from an artist that is unknown by the majority of modern music fans. It is a criminal shame that Nina Simone is rarely mentioned up there with Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, and Patsy Cline as queens of American music.
To me she surpasses all of those incredible singers because Nina composed the majority of the music and lyrics to all her originals. And Simone came up with the arrangements of her favorite artists that she covered, like Gershwin's "I Love's You, Porgy" Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quite Pas," George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" and Bob Dylan's "Just like a Woman."
Although To Be Free includes live versions of "Wild is the Wind," the Langston Hughes-penned powerhouse "Backlash Blues" any my personal favorite "Who Knows Where the Times Goes." The 30 minute DVD, Nina: A Historical Perspective is a breathtaking insight inside the mind, the music and the voice of Nina Simone told in her own words.
Inside the music and film of To Be Free, you will see and hear why and how she inspired a generation of artists and bands. Thanks to Mary J. Blige, Lauren Hill, Alicia Keys, Cat Power, Bowie and Buckley, the legend of Nina Simone sings on within them, their vocal styles and covers of her originals. We must not forget the many films that have showcased Nina's voice and songs and helped introduce her music to a new generation of soulful enthusiasts. If you're a novice and searching for a place to start your education of Nina Simone look no further than To Be Free. This box set captures the beauty, power and essence of all that encompassed the artistry and myth that was Nina Simone.
Adrian Ernesto Cepeda
http://treblezine.com/reviews/2889-Nina_Simone_To_Be_Free.html