Description
The complete 'Little Girl Blue' LP + 6 bonus tracks - Collector's digipak series with comprehensive booklet.
Originally released as Little Girl Blue (Bethlehem BCP6028) in June 1958, this LP marked Nina Simone's first studio recording ever. It was originally issued on the Bethlehem label and features the singer/pianist backed by bassist Jimmy Bond (who had been a member of the Chet Baker Quartet among other groups) and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath (one of the celebrated Heath brothers, along with saxophonist Jimmy Heath, and bassist Percy Heath). Many of the tracks from this LP would become true classics, among them her perennial versions of "My Baby Just Cares for Me" and "I Loves You, Porgy." Five songs originally issued on Colpix singles, as well as a long live version of the classic "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" have been added here as a bonus.
AllMusic: "Backed by Jimmy Bond and Albert 'Tootie' Heath, this album showcases her ballad voice as one of mystery and sensuality and her uptempo jazz style with authority and an enigmatic down-home feel that is nonetheless elegant. The album also introduced a fine jazz pianist. Simone was a solid improviser who never strayed far from the blues." (Thom Jurek).
Nina Simone - vocals & piano, Jimmy Bond - bass, Albert 'Tootie' Heath - drums; Bethlehem session, New York 1957
