Known for her ability to turn a chattering cocktail sipping crowd into a rapt audience of lifelong fans in minutes, Kim Nalley combines a devastating stage presence with finely tuned powerful voice. A trip to San Francisco is often said not be complete without hearing Kim Nalley perform. Glamorous, garrulous and dramatic like a diva of the 1950’s, Kim evokes an era when women were classy and brash. And she is a real community leader to boot; she was the receipient of the “Most Influential African-American in the Bay Area” Cityflight Award 2005 Entertainment Category. This CD was recorded live over five sold out runs of Kim Nalley’s Tribute to Nina Simone since Dr. Simone’s death and all the reviews have been exuberant:
“Nina Simone was a singer, a social commentator, and a fighter. Often called the High Priestess of Soul, she was revered for her command of folk, blues, protest songs, and show tunes. So is it any wonder that Kim Nalley's show "She Put a Spell on Me: Kim Sings Nina" has been so popular? Nalley, whose hand in reopening the North Beach hot spot Jazz at Pearl's has made her into something of a hero in her own right, seems the perfect choice to interpret and pay tribute to the late, great Dr. Simone.”
Hiya Swanhuyser-SFWeekly
"Like Nina Simone, Nalley is able to vocally plow a mighty road of jazz and spiritual, classical, folk, blues, pop, African chant and freedom without losing a note, without relinquishing her spell. Blended, simmering, sustained elusiveness, Ms. Nalley’s vocal was inexhaustible melodic poetry. Too many stars to rate." Jean
Bartlett-Pacifica Tribune
"Jazz Diva Kim Nalley has arrived back in San Francisco, after living and touring in Europe. Nalley is fast becoming internationally known for her breathtaking charisma, an assured vocal style wholly her own, and every bit the chanteuse of the 1930's and 40's. She evokes the style and presence of artists like Billy Holliday, Dinah Washington, and Ella Fitzgerald, even the elemental flame of Nina Simone, who passed away less than a year ago. "SHE PUT A SPELL ON ME-- A TRIBUTE TO NINA SIMONE" had people standing on the sidewalk outside Pearl's February 17th, 2004."
Andrei Hedstrom-Driving Socrates
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