Sydney’s soul-folk star Iluka (aka Nikki Thorburn) joins host Jeremy Dylan to talk about the artist Elton John once called the most important of the 20th century, Nina Simone, and her seminal 1965 album “Pastel Blues”.
They talk about how the album blends jazz, blues, soul and classical influences, how Simone opened up Iluka’s ideas of what singing could be, the “fuck-you” quality of the vocals, Simone’s underrated piano playing and the historical mistreatment of black artists in 50s and 60s music industry.
To close the show, Iluka straps on her beautiful Gretsch guitar and lays out a wild solo version of “Sinnerman”.
Listen in the player above or download the episode by clicking here.
Subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts here or search 'My Favorite Album' wherever you listen to podcasts.
My Favorite Album is a podcast on the impact great music has on our lives. Each episode features a guest on their favorite album of all time - why they love it, their history with the album and how it's influenced them.
Jeremy Dylan is a filmmaker, journalist, concert promoter and photographer. He directed the the feature music documentary Jim Lauderdale: The King of Broken Hearts (out now!) and the film Benjamin Sniddlegrass and the Cauldron of Penguins.
If you've got any feedback or suggestions, drop us a line at myfavoritealbumpodcast@gmail.com.
LINKS
- Iluka on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
- Jeremy Dylan's website, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook page.
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