Charles Aznavour to Receive "Lifetime Achievement Award" at MIDEM Sep 23, 2008
Charles Aznavour has written more than 800 songs, many of which have been interpreted by the worlds greatest artists (Fred Astaire, Shirley Bassey, Ray Charles, Elvis Costello, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Junior, Juliette Grco, Liza Minnelli, Edith Piaf and Nina Simone to name but a few). He has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, and his career as an actor, which he began in the theatre at the age of nine, includes more than 60 films, including The Tin Drum, winner of the Palme... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Verve Jazz Club offers more than jazz Sep 11, 2008
Divided into six colour codes (subtitled: trends, moods, world, etc) these compilations, basically, present an overview of the jazz names that really mattered with the larger jazz masses in the early part of the 50s and 60s (Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, etc) and through the later years of jazzs evolution, most of the funkier material that has registered cult fame in the global groove underground ... The pick of the crop, if you prefer a... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Kelly the cleanup hitter? Sep 9, 2008
Nina Simone, now there s some serious lyrics, but some folks here would be offended by the tunes of hers that I like most ... Nina Simone, now theres some serious lyrics, but some folks here would be offended by the tunes of hers that I like most. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Joy and heartbreak Sep 1, 2008
"I don't even find inspiration in pop artists at all. My main inspiration is Nina Simone. It was like Madonna and Michael Jackson when I was a kid, because it was fascinating, but I've never been pop, pop, pop.". More interesting in her list of influences is the French singer and tragic figure Edith Piaf, a woman who had a deeper sadness in her performance than just the words in her songs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Sharp talker Aug 30, 2008
" ALICIA Augello Cook was born in 1981 to an Italian-Irish mother, Terri, and African- American father, Craig. Although the apartment she shared with her mother was in Hell's Kitchen, Keys spent most of her early teens hanging out in Harlem. It was here she was introduced to most of the music that would later frame her sound. "My music came from where I grew up, what I saw, the streets I walked," she says. "That's what I pulled from everything: being able to play, listen and understand classical... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
George Michael plays 'last' shows Aug 25, 2008
He also sang a cover of Feeling Good, made famous by Nina Simone, which Michael has recorded for the US TV show Eli Stone. He said the song had not yet been released, but that fans would be able to download it for free from Christmas Day. (BBC News)
'Play it Sam - if she can take it, so can I.' Aug 19, 2008
Obama's top five include: "Ready or Not" (Fugees), "What's Going On" (Marvin Gaye), "I'm On Fire" (Bruce Springsteen), "Gimme Shelter" (Rolling Stones), and "Sinnerman" (Nina Simone) ... "Forbidden Fruit" is far and away Nina Simone's best disk. (Seantobia Democrat, MS)
to appear at the first Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. When picking the groups, producers avoiding choosing bands just because they might be popular. Instead, they set their sights on great live groups. Plus: A list of performers schedule to play Aug 17, 2008
An Oakland singer who grew up listening to the greats (Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone) now puts an ultramodern spin on the genre with her own music. Twin Peaks, 1 p.m. Saturday. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
JEFF EDELSTEIN COLUMN: The difference between Obama, McCain? The music Aug 15, 2008
His next pick is a song called "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone, a 10-minute opus that is simply great. Simone may have been a jazz artist, but this song is one great example of rock 'n' roll. (The Trentonian, NJ)
Music Review for Aug. 14 Aug 14, 2008
Check this track out: Randy Newman's "I Think It's Going To Rain Today" has been recorded often, and by such greats as Nina Simone and Dusty Springfield, but it's never sounded more powerful or more poignant than on this voice-and-piano duet by Thomas and Newman. - Michael McCall, Associated Press. (Carroll County Times, MD)
Obama, McCain List Favorite Songs Aug 13, 2008
Obama also chose songs by Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Nina Simone, U2, and "Yes We Can" by will. i.am, which mentions Obama. (Click2Houston, TX)
PEACHY SCENE Jul 27, 2008
Soundtrack: Classic blues and soul from artists like Nina Simone and Al Green. Hours: Dinner: Wed. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
George Michael: Onstage in the U.S., if not on the air Jul 23, 2008
Still, his tenor croon was as buttery as ever (though it didn't improve on songs made famous by Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and the Police). While he was never a dancer, he was thoroughly at ease onstage, though a 20-minute intermission drained the concert's momentum. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Talking Shop Jul 18, 2008
I had a chance to see Nina Simone perform before she died and, come hell or high water, I got into that concert. Which musicians do you consider to be of your generation. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
The 20th Edition Of Earshot Jazz Festival -"Seattle's most important annual jazz event" (Down Beat) - Runs October 17th to November 8th 2008 Jul 18, 2008
Vocalist Simone, daughter of Nina Simone, in concert in Bothell. A collaboration with the Langston Hughes Cultural center that includes concerts by violinist Billy Bang, Seattle jazz legend Julian Priester, a tribute to Seattle organist Dave Lewis by his grandson, drummer DVonne Lewis, and panel discussions about trends and issues in jazz. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Great Depth Of Characters Jul 17, 2008
But the two bond through a mutual attraction and a love of music, with Alphine desperate for success and Claudie aspiring to be another Nina Simone. Singing together as the group Black Venus, they eventually make their way to Paris, where they become heralded as a new sensation. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
E3 2008: Microsoft Media Briefing Live Blog Jul 15, 2008
10:26 AM - It's an electro version of Sinner Man by Nina Simone. 10:28 AM - The promo vid is over and the official press briefing screen is up. (IGN PC Games)
Dion sang 'worst ever cover song' Jun 24, 2008
Nirvana's cover of The Man Who Sold the World by David Bowie, and Muse's Feeling Good, made famous by Nina Simone, also appeared in the top five. Bookmark with. (BBC News)
Living her dream Jun 24, 2008
As a child, I grew up listening to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin who shaped my interest in music. Over the years, I developed a liking for other singers and you can hear their influence in the various melody styles in the album. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Meklit Hadero opens up to the world as soloist Jun 15, 2008
Hadero has listened to Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Virginia Rodrigues, who inspired her pretty version of the Brazilian song "Negrume da Noite'' on the CD, whose covers she and artist friends hand-painted in a homemade way that reflects the music. She cites Nina Simone and Mexican singer Lila Downs as big influences. Simone's emotional intensity gets her, and she loves the way Downs changes the color and texture of her voice, "from small and delicate to expansive to gravelly to sweet. I... (San Francisco Chronicle)
A look at her iPod shows Hillary singing a much different tune Jun 9, 2008
THEN: Sinnerman, as sung by Nina Simone. Now: Never Would Have Made It (Without You), as sung by Marvin Sapp. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Weekend planner! Jun 7, 2008
"Footprints." Dance performance includes the debut of contemporary modern works "Blood," "Simone Suites" a tribute to Nina Simone and "Asylum." Presented by Phusion Performing Arts Alliance. 7 p.m. $15 and $20. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Usher Scores Second Best Sales Debut Of '08 Jun 5, 2008
The set -- which features tracks from artists as diverse as the Weepies, Jennifer Hudson, Run-D.M.C. and Nina Simone -- moved 66,000 copies. It's the highest debut for a multi-artist theatrical film soundtrack since "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" also started at No. 2 in November 2005. (Billboard.com)
Usher Stands Far Above Competition With Second Chart-Topping Debut Jun 5, 2008
His closest competitor, the (featuring contributions from Fergie, Jennifer Hudson and Nina Simone), enters the chart at #2, with just 65,900 sold. The nation's third best-seller, 3 Doors Down, sold a mere 63,200 units. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Spalding brings eclectic mix of music and moods to the stage May 31, 2008
In tribute to Nina Simone, Spalding sang "Wild Is the Wind" to a rumbling, spacious, cinematic arrangement, with Brown wielding mallets. Her version of Milton Nascimento's "Ponta de Areia" was a floating wonder. (Boston Globe)
The Garde presents "Simone on Simone" May 31, 2008
Simone, daughter of musical icon Nina Simone, will perform in two concerts in the Garde Arts Center s 140-seat Oasis Room on Thursday and Friday, June 19-20, at 8 p.m. ... With Grammy-winning producer Bob Belden (his credits include work with Herbie Hancock, Cassandra Wilson, Sting and Chick Corea), "Simone On Simone" showcases 11 songs from Nina Simone s repertoire ... On April 21, 2006, three years after her mother s passing, Simone paid her tribute at Town Hall in New York City the venue... (Westerly Sun, RI)
Cannes Film Festival May 23, 2008
During the end credits, as Nina Simone sings the old Billie Holiday standard "Strange Fruit," we see a series of real images of the war taken by the French photographer Patrick Robert. One picture shows a man clutching what looks like a human femur and another shows two small, presumably dead children in a puddle of blood. (International Herald Tribune)
Jump In: Dance May 18, 2008
His company, one of the hottest new troupes on the national scene, is making the rounds at festivals such as Jacob's Pillow this summer, including the Bates Dance Festival, which has commissioned a new work called "The Elements." Keigwin also brings along the popular "Love Songs," duets for four couples featuring music from Nina Simone to Neil Diamond. July 18-19 at the Schaeffer Theatre, Lewiston, Maine. (Boston Globe)
* Mathieu Amalric teeters on the brink of global celebrity May 14, 2008
Nina Simone wanted to be a classical musician. He gives actors remarkably short shrift, which is refreshing. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Mary J Blige May 4, 2008
There's the tour with Jay-Z, and she's also slated to play Nina Simone in a biopic of the jazz singer, though this is a project that has been talked about for some time. I have the script now,' she says, 'but as far as the production goes, I just don't know - when I know, you'll know. (Guardian Unlimited)
Forget Iron Man, Howard just wants to sing May 2, 2008
His rare smiles come when he finds prized jewels, such as a Nina Simone greatest hits album. Thats my Nina, he says softly as he holds the disc in his hands, then asks one of his two children, who have accompanied him, to sing a verse from the late legend. (MSNBC -- News)
Dandenong teenager takes on the world Apr 6, 2008
Raised on her parents' record collection Janis Joplin, Tina Turner, Nina Simone, Suzi Quatro, Blondie and Joan Jett she was knocked back for roles in school musicals, while her piano and dance teachers told her at a young age that she lacked the discipline to pursue a career in music. But nothing was going to hold back that voice. (Sydney Morning Herald)
More of this story Apr 5, 2008
The closing dance is "Pretty Gritty Suite," set to songs by Nina Simone. Rhoden is not kidding when he says, "We believe in defying classification. All of our dancers are very strongly classically trained but can do all types of dance. We like unique and individual voices. We're not looking for dancers to all be the same height and look the same.". (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
How King's Assassination Changed Black Music Apr 5, 2008
However, with the exception of songs like "I'm Black and I'm Proud" and the work of Nina Simone, Charles Mingus and Max Roach, before King's killing most music engaged in little social commentary. . (Slate)
Boston rockers reinvent themselves Apr 4, 2008
NOW: Performing songs inspired by Nina Simone ... But she never felt that she had found her voice until she teamed with flutist and saxophonist Ken Field (Birdsongs of the Mesozoic, Revolutionary Snake Ensemble) to arrange and play big-voiced jazz standards and show tunes, Nina Simone-style, for their band, simply called Agachiko ... "I really needed an opportunity to grow vocally, and I found that in playing music inspired by Nina Simone - music that she performed or that I think she could have... (Boston Globe)
Who’s This Old Guy Hogging the Mirror? Apr 4, 2008
Instead of the hard rock and metal that is supposed to be in there I m finding Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and Willie Nelson shoved in there. Let s not even talk about the assorted Violin Concertos and gigantic boxset of MGM Musical soundtracks. (Stuttgart Daily Leader, AR)
Jumpin' Jack set teen off on jet-setting life Apr 1, 2008
Counting Led Zeppelin and Nina Simone among her influences, Cilmi also laughs off the Winehouse comparisons. Unlike the troubled Rehab singer, Cilmi is as clean-cut as they come. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Dance: INUK2 Mar 31, 2008
It has a scattergun approach to structure, seemingly driven by a choice of music - Elena Kats-Chernin, Meredith Monk, throat singers of Tuva, Balkan beatbox and Nina Simone among others - that adds to a messy unravelling of its multitude of emotive themes. To quote the choreographer's program note, these are "power plays, conquests of space, contests of survival, joy, yearning, love, torment and departure ... life and death, agony and pleasure, unity and disunity, ease and complexity are only... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Married, with songs: Steve Earle & Allison Moorer Mar 21, 2008
The album pays tribute to music popularized by such female singers as Nina Simone, June Carter Cash and Joni Mitchell. We lived in the country and we had a 30-minute ride to school, Moorer recalled. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Play it by Ear Mar 15, 2008
With the brief success of this track, Badu was promptly slated for joining Soul royalty with artists such as Nina Simone. The success of this song was followed by a string of mediocre albums, and consequently, she was quietly dismissed from discussion. (University News, MO)
Bandwidth: Nino Moschella Mar 7, 2008
"The King of Love is Dead," by Nina Simone, because we all need that song. 5. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
What to see at SXSW Mar 6, 2008
A blurb on their MySpace page describes it as an attempt to "achieve the warmth and charm of pop and country records from the early- and mid-part of the 20th century," specifically the records of Les Paul and Mary Ford, the Ronettes, Nina Simone, Chet Atkins, Linda Ronstadt, the Carter Family and about a hundred others. Saw them at Walt Disney Concert Hall -- impressed, as always, by Ward's guitar playing, yet concerned about Deschanel oversinging -- where they did covers of Ricky Nelson and... (Variety)
Bolger the star gazer Mar 2, 2008
I spend hours on iTunes and my favourite singer is Nina Simone. I also like Simon nkel; I could listen to The Sound of Silence over and over. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman Admit To Booty-Dancing In Costume On 'Other Boleyn Girl' Set Feb 27, 2008
In between scenes, you'd hear her humming and it would be like, "Is Nina Simone playing or something?" She had to sing badly in this scene, and I was like, "What's she gonna do?". Johansson: Oh, come on, it's not that hard to be tone-deaf, is it. (VHI.com -- Music News)
A funk inferno Feb 19, 2008
There were other strains, too: Nina Simone had hitched her heart-stopping voice to the mast of the civil rights movement as early as 1964 with 'Mississippi Goddam', in response to the murder of Medgar Evers by the Ku Klux Klan and the bombing of a black church in Alabama, killing four children, in 1963, and Aretha Franklin was engaged directly with Dr King, a family friend and regular visitor to the Franklin household ... Nina Simone, 'Young, Gifted and Black. (Guardian Unlimited -- Arts)
On Your Mark, Get Set... Feb 17, 2008
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET.. Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel, 888 Broadway; (914) 548-8683 Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to check out 4Foodies' tasting event Tuesday, complete. (New York Post -- Entertainment)
Winehouse dominates Grammy awards ... from studio in London Feb 11, 2008
The release of Back to Black in 2006 turned Winehouse into a critical and commercial success, her jazz-blues vocals drawing comparisons with Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughn. But the lyrics to Rehab They tried to make me go to rehab/I said, No, No, No - ending up being the soundtrack to a public breakdown rivalled only by that of Britney Spears. (Times Online)
Cat Power: 'She's not shy any more' Feb 11, 2008
There's an aching expressiveness to her performance, but she's not always as committed to the material as say, Nina Simone. She's lean, darkly gorgeous and musky at 36, yet girlish, with an antsy stage manner that had her crouching and tugging at her snug pants. (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Amy Winehouse Feb 9, 2008
Other times, particularly on Rehab, I would have bet the rent money that Nina Simone, the throaty, imperious High Priestess of Soul, was wielding the mike. At no time did it occur to me that a Jewish girl from south London was belting out these catchy tunes. (Guardian Unlimited)
An art opening, roots rock, and trivia pursuits Feb 7, 2008
Young New Orleans-bred artist Lorna Williams is known for her paper and wood collages of her pop culture and music heroes, from Dave Chappelle to Nina Simone. Tonight, Williams celebrates those heroes at the opening of "Lorna Williams: Work and Worship Stem From the Same Root," her first major solo show at the Judi Rotenberg Gallery. (Boston Globe)
Brit star Mika is as bubbly as his music Feb 1, 2008
"1920s crooners, flamenco, Nina Simone . . . it was a gamut that fascinated and confused me, but it wasn't a bad confusion. It gave me a cowboy-like attitude toward the arts," Mika says. "And it got me back on my feet.". (Boston Globe)
Shows that'll get zoo and you rocking Jan 20, 2008
Abba tribute band Bjorn Again is back for a fifth consecutive year and ARIA award winner Christine Anu will perform a tribute to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday in her Great Ladies Of Jazz show. Other artists include jazz great James Morrison, singer David Hobson, maestro Tommy Tycho and a special Fleetwood Mac tribute. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Who Cares: Making a dream come true is overdue Jan 16, 2008
Tue Jan 15, 2008, 11:07 AM EST. Hope was in the air when Martin Luther King walked among us. (Harwich Oracle, MA)
Paper Rival Secures an Impressive Identity Jan 15, 2008
Rolleston s list of influences includes mostly female singers; he is also eager to admit that he loves old blues and soul artists, such as Nina Simone and Leadbelly. Pearl Jam is one of many bands that Paper Rival would love to share the stage with before Rolleston follows through on his goal of obtaining a college degree in order to teach high school English. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
A dream come true for Buble Jan 14, 2008
Backed by a full horn section, percussion, guitars, piano and bass, the crooner seemed most at home belting out jazz classics such as the horn-heavy Feeling Good, made famous by the inimitable Nina Simone, the Drifters' Save The Last Dance For Me and the sultry Peggy Lee hit, Fever. But while the estrogen levels in the stadium rose to precipitous highs as Buble performed several of his soft favourites radio hits, including Lost, which he co-penned with Jann Arden, and the toothache-sweet love... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Intimate album Jan 11, 2008
And although Deni Hines has her detractors, she has found her niche covering hits of some of the worlds greatest female jazz artists including the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone. While they are hard acts to follow, Deni Hines does a more than adequate job of paying a fitting tribute to these artists and adding her own unique twist to the well-known tunes. (Sunshine Coast Daily)
David Geffen, your reign is over Jan 11, 2008
Pete Molinari is a hugely talented young man, with a voice like a male Nina Simone and a drive that will see him hitch across the country for a 50 gig, but I'm beginning to think the only reason he wears slip-on shoes is because he's not capable of tying his own shoelaces. Thistletown are lovely people, but it would be nice if the women could stop bursting into floods of tears all the time. (Guardian Unlimited)
Redding's heart and soul Jan 10, 2008
It also includes telegrams Zelma received after his death from fans, musicians (the Temptations, Nina Simone) and politicians, including one from Jimmy Carter sent later, when a bridge in Macon was officially named for Redding. Other artifacts: receipts from the hotel Redding stayed in with his pilot and crew just before his death, and a poster from what became known as "the concert that never was" the Madison, Wis. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
Sound of 2008Discover music's top 10 new acts for 2008, and hear full tracks Jan 4, 2008
She says: "Nina Simone and Bad Brains are my two biggest vocal influences.". THE BEST OF THE REST. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Soundbytes: Top 10 Albums Of 2007 Jan 3, 2008
Like Nina Simone, who is sampled during the track "Sealion," Feist is a child of the New World although her music has unmistakable European ;lan. "The Reminder" was recorded in Paris and her music veers from alt-rock songstress to the hipsters' Edith Piaf, but Feist never surrenders her breathy musical identity to eclecticism. (KIRO TV, WA)
Picks of the week Dec 28, 2007
Vocalist Valerie Stephens presents a tribute titled "The Art and Time of Nina Simone" at the Park Plaza Terrace Room. WGBH presents the Danilo Perez Big Band at the David Friend Recital Hall at Berklee, in a concert to be broadcast as part of NPR's "Toast of the Nation." - Kevin Lowenthal. (Boston Globe)
Pick your First Night personality Dec 27, 2007
Head to the Park Plaza Hotel for the 10:30 p.m. performance of Valerie Stephen's tribute to Nina Simone. Give your partner a big smack at midnight and head home. (Boston Globe)
In with a bang Dec 27, 2007
The Art and Time of Nina Simone Valerie Stephens, one of Boston's jazz mistresses, presents highlights from the long career of the "High Priestess of Soul," who died in 2003. 8, 9:15, and 10:30 p.m. Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 64 Arlington St.. (Boston Globe)
No 'Pains,' No Gains: Mary J. Blige Dec 5, 2007
" Blige is also expected to hit Europe in December, and Andrea Nelson Meigs, her talent agent at ICM, says she's looking to fit in feature film work in first-quarter 2008. Blige has appeared on such TV shows as "The Jamie Foxx Show," "Ghost Whisperer," "Entourage" and "America's Next Top Model," and she's long been linked to a Nina Simone biopic. On top of all this, Blige is also operating her own label, Matriarch Records. R&B singer Dave Young who co-wrote "No One Will Do," "Baggage" and "MJB... (Billboard.com)
Review: Queen Latifah holds court, pays tribute at Davies Nov 28, 2007
She followed this year with "Trav'lin' Light," another album of standards which, in part, paid tribute to female singing greats such as Nina Simone, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan. Backed by a nine-man instrumental ensemble and three singers, Latifah strode onto the Davies stage dressed in black slacks and blouse, black heels and a tasteful wad of diamonds dangling from her throat, wrist and earlobes. (San Francisco Chronicle)
