Released in June 1958, this album (originally issued under the title Little Girl Blue on Bethlehem BCP-6028) was Nina Simone’s first studio recording ever. Made when she was 25-years old, the album was a huge success and led to a tremendous career that would yield over 80 studio sessions. 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”. (The latter track was also released as a single.) Simone’s piano is well featured throughout the LP, but “Central Park Blues” and “Good Bait” are the only purely instrumental tracks.

Nina Simone, vocals & piano Jimmy Bond, bass Albert “Tootie” Heath, drums

Bond & Heath out on “Don’t Smoke in Bed”. New York, December 1957.

Bonus tracks: From the same sessions, but not included on the original LP.