VARIOUS ARTISTS
The Thomas Crown Affair (Pangea/ARK 21)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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As the lead off track, and obviously the one geared for mucho radio play, Sting jazzes up "Windmills Of Your Mind," in a soft vibe-laden touch that veers oh so close to loungey smooth jazz. As unappetizing as that may seem it just might be the perfect appetizer for the track to follow. With her trademark rolling piano Nina Simone burns through the epic (ten minutes of your precious time) "Sinnerman" - a wondrous landmark recording, and easily the best version of a much covered standard. Simone's pulpit call and response "power" chanting revs the motor, the tempo shifts, some glorious soloing breaks in, a breathtaking "Unsquare Dance" type clap session takes over the middle before she burns it up with a thundering climax. As close to an aural religious experience as you'll likely stumble upon. This is why music was invented folks, and makes a rather lackluster soundtrack something you just might wanna seek out.

© 1999 - John Sekerka