A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings

A Single Woman is the final studio album released by Nina Simone. Released in 1993, it was her first studio outing in seven years and was produced by Andre Fischer, the Grammy-winning co-founder/drummer of Rufus who produced Natalie Coles smash Unforgettable. The recording sessions netted 17 tunes -- ten made the final cut. Her revolving studio cast included bassists John Clayton and Jim Hughart, pianist Michael Melvoin, percussionist Larry Bunker, drummer Jeffrey Hamilton, and guitarists John Chiodini and Al Schackman. A 50-piece orchestra with strings performed on the first seven tracks. The material was shaped by arrangers Clayton, William Evans, and Jeremy Lubbock. Despite her trademark range in choosing material and a thoroughly committed performance that ranged effortlessly across genres, Fischers polished production miffed some critics, who lamented that the recording wasnt "raw" enough. Simone isnt credited on piano because she sang while fronting the orchestra. The album is modeled on two of Simones favorite albums: Billie Holidays 1958 classic Lady in Satin and Frank Sinatras 1969 A Man Alone (The Words and Music of Rod McKuen). She actually kicks the record off with two McKuen selections: The poignant philosophical ballad "A Simple Woman" and the jaunty "Lonesome Cities." She then delivers a stunning "Loves Been Good to Me" a few selections later, detailing her amorous relationships. The orchestral tunes end a few songs later with her luscious reading of George Brassens heartbreaking chanson "Il Ny A Pas DAmour Heureux" (There is No Such Thing as Happy Love). All three songs appeared on Sinatras album. "Just Say I Love Him" is a dark, lonely, loss-ridden cabaret song. Harry Warrens "The More I See You" is a finger-popping jazz tune with a hip trumpet break by Jack Sheldon before the album wraps with the swinging Simone original "Marry Me." Though dismissed by critics at the time, A Single Woman reveals an ever-evolving, creatively restless artist and deserves reconsideration as a powerful work of mature, iconic art. [2025s A Single Woman: The Complete Elektra Recordings is beautifully remastered. Its ten bonus tracks include the seven unissued session songs including a stellar "The Long and Winding Road," a 58-second intro take of Bob Dylans "The Times They Are A-Changin" that emerges into Princes "Sign of the Times" to reflect their original sequencing. (Theres an alternate take of it later.) It also includes two excellent takes of Fats Wallers "Im Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter" that cross jump blues, stride, and R&B. Simone pays a fantastic tribute to Bob Marley with "No Woman, No Cry." The inclusion of two takes of the sexually overt "Do I Move You" looks back to the 1960s when she cut the tune twice as a single in 1966 and an unreleased second, slower, lustier version. This one revels in a celebratory sensuality. There are also two versions of "Baseball Boogie," presumably with Simone pumping the 88s in scorching jump blues versions. The packaging is handsome, the sound is pristine, and British music journo David Nathans liner essay is illuminating.] ~ Thom Jurek