Description
MatchBall Records
LIMITED EDITION CLASSIC LPs – 180gm AUDIOPHILE PRESSING.
Nina Simone / THE AMAZING (+ 5 bonus tracks)
Nina Simone made her first trip into the studio in New York during 1957 to record her debut album Little Girl Blue. In addition to her piano playing and vocals, the session featured Jimmy Bond on bass and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums. At 25-years old, Simone's performance boasted all the passion and ebullience of youth, and all the skill and grace of a seasoned veteran.
The album has since become a classic, and these were her first recordings ever! Simone would not record again for two years. She signed a contract with the New York-based label Colpix Records in 1959, with whom she recorded her second album, The Amazing Nina Simone (Colpix SCP407). The LP features her singing (and playing a little piano) with an orchestra (the personnel is unknown) under the direction of Bob Mersey (four tunes that complete the sessions have been added as a bonus).
NINA SIMONE, vocals & piano
Orchestra conducted & arranged by BOB MERSEY. New York, May 1959.
Original sessions produced by Hecky Krasnow.
*Bonus tracks:
A7-A8 & B7-B8: From the same sessions, but not included on the original LP.
B9: NINA SIMONE, vocals & piano; JIMMY BOND, bass; ALBERT "TOOTIE"
HEAT H, drums. New York, December 1957.
AllMusic
"There is a remarkable amount of variety on this disc, Nina Simone's second recording. She does not play much piano (just cameos on two songs) and is backed by a subtle orchestra arranged by Bob Mersey that is effective accompanying her vocals. This session finds Nina Simone's voice in top form and with a few exceptions is generally jazz-oriented." (Scott Yanow)