| The David Nathan Pages |
NINA SIMONE: SUPER STAR FOR '71 January 1971, Comments from Sam Waymon (Nina Simone's brother) in conversation with David Nathan in Amsterdam Nina was in Europe during a transitional time in her career: recently divorced from her husband/manager, she was preparing to record a new album (which would morph into "Emergency Ward") and take some much-needed vacation time. Her brother Sam had taken over her business affairs and shaed some of her activities during a conversation in Amsterdam prior to a Simone television taping... A concert review was included in this article first published in January 1971 (c) 2007, David Nathan/SCI Enterprises, All rights reserved |
It has been noted by her many fans and soul people generally, there has been a marked silence from the High Priestess of Soul for some
time – particularly record wise – so that I greeted the news of Nina’s concerts in Holland with great relief and was naturally delighted to
have the opportunity, through the auspices of “Blue & Soul”, to see Nina personally to find out what had been happening and to review
her in-person appearance.
Nina has recently been involved obtaining a divorce from her former manager, hence the need for a total reorganisation of her business
affairs. She is now managed by her very capable brother, Sam Waymon, who filled me in on exactly on what’s been happening. Just
prior to her last engagement in July, Nina played at the famed Fillmore East in New York., which many might regard as a rather strange
and unsuitable venue for the lady. It was her second appearance there and, in contrast to her first one, when she was on the bill with
Isaac Hayes and Miles Davis, she was the sole attraction. The concert was highly successful and the Fillmore audience proved that Nina
is definitely a firm favourite with everyone!
It was at this juncture that Nina decided to take an indefinite vacation – her first in over fourteen years non-stop work! During this period
a great deal has been happening for her, however, and Nina has been prominently featured in the three important American magazines.
In October, Albert Goldman wrote a piece on her, entitled “The Return of The Queen of Shebang” for ‘Life’ magazine in which he noted
how, in contrast to many other ‘jazz’ singers, Nina has adapted to the changing audiences via her repertoire and had found a great deal
of success in consequence. During November, ‘Essence’ featured Nina with her daughter Lisa in a series of fashion photographs which
must be amongst the best she’s ever had taken. In the December issue of ‘Redbook’ magazine, well-known poet and writer Maya
Angelou did a three-page spread on the High Priestess. In addition, work has now begun on Nina’s autobiography which is being
written by columnist Nikki Giovanni for publication either at the end of 1971 or the beginning of 1972....
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| NINA SIMONE 1971 Feature and Concert Review (NS-71-2007) Conducted by David Nathan, (c) 2007, David Nathan/SCI Enterprises |
LIVE….
Although Nina did not make any live appearances during the latter half of 1970, she has been far from inactive. And her
Amsterdam concert on Friday, January 8 proved that Nina Simone is still a unique figure in the soul world today. Despite
several problems – for which Nina was not responsible – her appearance at the Conertgebouw re-affirmed everyone’s faith
and loyalty in her. The major problem was the lack of rehearsal on the part of the Boy Edgar band who opened the concert
and who provided Nina’s backing and although she had originally been scheduled to do five songs (Nina was appearing
as a special guest on the programme which was televised), this was cut to three.
In a stunning red–and-fur gown, specially designed for the occasion, Nina opened with a very jazzy version of “Compared
To What”, written by Gene McDaniels and recorded by Roberta Flack. Nina drew as much from the lyrics as she could and
the effect was remarkable. It’s powerful song and it was powerfully delivered. She followed Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”
against a simple bongo, guitar and piano accompanient which was very effective.
Nina was then scheduled to finish with Judy Collins’ “My Father’ – a new and very beautiful song – but again, due to lack of
rehearsal by the band, she had to do it again after a bad beginning by the pianist. The audience was naturally angry that
this appeared to complete Nina’s section of the programme and several people left the hall in protest...
Although Nina did not make any live appearances during the latter half of 1970, she has been far from inactive. And her
Amsterdam concert on Friday, January 8 proved that Nina Simone is still a unique figure in the soul world today. Despite
several problems – for which Nina was not responsible – her appearance at the Conertgebouw re-affirmed everyone’s faith
and loyalty in her. The major problem was the lack of rehearsal on the part of the Boy Edgar band who opened the concert
and who provided Nina’s backing and although she had originally been scheduled to do five songs (Nina was appearing
as a special guest on the programme which was televised), this was cut to three.
In a stunning red–and-fur gown, specially designed for the occasion, Nina opened with a very jazzy version of “Compared
To What”, written by Gene McDaniels and recorded by Roberta Flack. Nina drew as much from the lyrics as she could and
the effect was remarkable. It’s powerful song and it was powerfully delivered. She followed Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”
against a simple bongo, guitar and piano accompanient which was very effective.
Nina was then scheduled to finish with Judy Collins’ “My Father’ – a new and very beautiful song – but again, due to lack of
rehearsal by the band, she had to do it again after a bad beginning by the pianist. The audience was naturally angry that
this appeared to complete Nina’s section of the programme and several people left the hall in protest...
