i put a spell on you: The Autobiography of Nina Simone with Stephen Cleary
Writing Style: Genuine. Engaging.
Pacing: FAST.
Personal Highlights: Yes, of course I heard of Nina Simone, but admittedly was not familiar with her work. But opened the book and delved right in. The beginning is fascinating. For starters, the description of Tryon, N.C…and time-frame… sounded like a wonderful, but isolated place I’ve never heard depicted as Nina described. The way she begins, casually lolling over relics typical of the Dust Bowl, baby boom era, but telling her story from a viewpoint that lands softly, and plainly unique. Will suck in the cleanest romantics of all things decent in a heartbeat. Almost read the entire book in a sitting.
…Which here’s the overall thing, as so not to leave many spoilers since the book is only a couple hundred pages. Usually when reading it’s not so much as what is written, as what isn’t. Reading between lines in other words. However, in Nina’s autobiography dedicated to her mom, daughter and especially her father, this generalization is exactly the opposite. Her story is so clear and for the most part to the point that even what isn’t written is right there on the page. Knockout gorgeous!
Parts that really resonated; her mother’s foreboding concerns—STAY HUMBLE, along with her early relationship with her father, and of course Miz Mazzy and the piano lessons. What a grounded spiritual innocent start, a naivety that shadows events to follow. Nina’s ability to see as she sees, or as she cites, even for a child raised in the church, is rare; Of course she realized racism, but “refused to admit its affect on her”.
So much more is in this memoir. Other than Nina’s sheltered start, and the decorous inserts of HUMOR, was finally learning about her music; playing popular songs in a classical style. Sophisticated. Elegant. Never knew. “When the spirit hits it’s impossible to predict.” Loved this quote. That first gig in AC; Eunice turning up as Nina Simone…sweet! But not juicier than her playing at the Apollo with the help of the three Harlem ladies! Haha, loved that too. Again, so so much is in here; meeting Andy, her daughter and the many right and left turns her career takes. This one must be read straight through to the last page, just to read how overall prophetic and profound her mother’s wisdom. Just Wow! Highly recommended. Read Copyright 1991, 1993, 2003 and 2020 soft-copy edition.
Comments
Post a Comment