Dylan Cover #358 Nina Simone "I Shall Be Released"

In this ongoing Monday Series we will be exploring various artists versions of Bob Dylan song's. Today's tune is a cover by Nina Simone  playing "I Shall Be Released"

Jazzy January has invade Mondays! All this month we will check out various artists covering Dylan in a Jazz vibe, can you dig it daddy-o? 

Thoughts on Cover:

From the first time we tackled a cover of this song:
"I Shall Be Released" has been covered by too many artists to count and with reason; it is a masterpiece. A simple song that will forever be etched in Rock Legend as it ended perhaps the best concert in rock history, The Last Waltz. The Band are always connected to the tune as Dylan wrote it during those amazing days playing with the group up at Big Pink in the Catskills and the group released it on their first album. Gospel in nature the song is about salvation that can be certain, and each listener (and performer) can add their own personal feelings into the sketch, perfect for covering, especially live to close a show with friends.

Cover:

Thoughts on Cover Artist: 

Nina Simone was a troubled woman but a true artist. The recent documentary on her, ,is tough to watch but her voice and style can be captivating. "Sinner Man" is one of RtBE's all-time favorites. She was special in many ways. 

Thoughts on Cover:
A fine cover slow soul cover with piano and back up singers, but for an artist as moving as Simone can be this one falls a bit flat and dull. Not the best song for her talents. Imagine if she tore into "Masters of War", "Idiot Wind" or "She's Your Lover Now"? Woof.