Nina At Town Hall

One of Nina Simone's finest recordings, this 1959 Colpix LP captures the singular singer and pianist in incredible form. She delivers classic readings of Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair, The Other Woman and Wild Is the Wind, with beautifully supportive playing from bassist Jimmy Bond and drummer Al "Tootie" Heath.

She also sounds great on a few instrumentals, and Summertime appears twice, including one vocal version. Right from the start of her career, Nina Simone carved out a space entirely her own, bringing together classical piano technique, folk singing, civil rights protest lyrics and jazz. All of those elements are here, making this a highly recommended set.

Original artwork.