Nina Simone - Sings Duke Ellington

This is one of Nina Simone's best albums in a long time. She's taken a flock of Duke Ellington tunes, some familiar and some not-so-familiar, and handed them interesting and intriguing renditions in her own special style. The album's a bit straighter than later efforts, with large backings by Stu Phillips that also feature vocals by the Malcolm Dodds Singers. The result is a masterpiece, proof that even in her early years, Nina could completely transform anything she laid her hands on, and unlock a soulful depth that even the original recordings might have missed. Titles include "I Got It Bad", "Solitude", "The Gal From Joe's", "It Don't Mean A Thing", and "I Like The Sunrise".

• 1 Side A
• 2 1. Do Nothin' Till You Hear from Me
• 3 2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
• 4 3. Hey, Buddy Bolden
• 5 4. Merry Mending
• 6 5. Something to Live for
• 7 6. You Better Know It
• 8 7. I Like the Sunrise
• 9 Side B
• 10 1. Solitude
• 11 2. the Gal from Joe's
• 12 3. Satin Doll
• 13 4. It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got
• 14 That Swing)
• 15 5. Nobody Knows You When You're Down
• 16 And Out
• 17 6. I Want a Little Sugar in My Bowl
• 18 7. Since My Love Has Gone