BMG/Bethlehem Records: Nina Simone - Mood Indigo: The Complete Bethlehem Singles - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mood Indigo: The Complete Bethlehem Singles, by Nina Simone and it's terrific. Opening with Porgy (I Loves You, Porgy), Simone on lead vocal and piano sets a standard that to today is still regarded as gold for jazz style. Backed by Jimmy Bond on bass and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums, this is an excellent opener. Love Me Or Leave Me leaves no question of where contemporary vocalists such as Diana Krall's inspiration originates. This is the blueprint for bop jazz vocals. Very nice. Somber ballad, He Needs Me, not only shows the purity of Simone's vocals but the crystal clear classical style piano work that is her trademark. Showing her classical piano chops on the intro to Latin based instrumental, African Mailman, Simone really gets the rhythm moving on this one. Letting out the lead on title track, Mood Indigo, Simone really swings. Her vocal phrasing, over Bond's bass line is so excellent it gives you goose bumps... and dig her piano riffs! Good Bait is a great track with a solid walking bass line, steady drums and nicely executed piano melody. Strong. Wrapping this release is Simone's interpretation of My Baby Just Cares For Me with solid bass, brushes and piano on the up beat as rhythm. Her playful piano lead and stylized vocals on this track make for a great closer for a pretty incredible set.

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