First album from Nina Simone on RCA Victor. Nina Simone Sings The Blues was originally released in 1967 and was a departure from the orchestral recordings of Simone's Philips Records releases. She was backed by guitarists Eric Gale and Rudy Stevenson, bassist Bob Bushnell, Bernard "Pretty" Purdie on drums, organist Ernie Hayes, and Buddy Lucas on harmonica who pulled double duty on the saxophone. The song selection is down and dirty, peppered with some of Simone's signature tunes. The stripped back band, coupled with Simone's interpretation of the material produced one of her rawest recordings. A true classic. Includes the songs: "My Man's Gone Now," "Backlash Blues," "Since I Fell for You," and "The House of the Rising Sun." Eleven tracks in all. Released by Music On Vinyl on 180 gram vinyl.

• 180 gram pressing
• music label: RCA Victor 1967 / Music On Vinyl 2013

reviewed by Hank Ohs 02/2016