Nina Simone Little Girl Blue (CD)

(ZYX Music) 11 tracks

Nina Simone – Little Girl Blue is a landmark recording from one of the most distinctive voices and pianists in jazz. Originally released in 1957 on Bethlehem Records, it was Nina Simone’s first album and already reveals many of the musical characteristics that would define her later career. Simone performs all the piano and vocals, arranges the material and also contributes the original composition Central Park Blues. She is accompanied by bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath. The album combines jazz, blues and sophisticated interpretations of well-known songs, including Mood Indigo, Don’t Smoke In Bed, He Needs Me, Little Girl Blue, Love Me Or Leave Me, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Good Bait, Plain Gold Ring, You’ll Never Walk Alone, I Loves You Porgy and Central Park Blues. For collectors and fans of Nina Simone, jazz vocals and classic piano-led recordings, Little Girl Blue remains an essential title with a very personal musical character.