Released in June 1958, this album (originally issued under the title Little Girl Blue onBethlehem BCP-6028) was Nina Simone’s first studio recording ever. Made when shewas 25-years old, the album was a huge success and led to a tremendous career thatwould yield over 80 studio sessions. It was originally issued on the Bethlehem label andfeatures the singer/pianist backed by bassist Jimmy Bond (who had been a member ofthe Chet Baker Quartet among other groups) and drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath (one ofthe celebrated Heath brothers, along with saxophonist Jimmy Heath, and bassist PercyHeath). Many of the tracks from this LP would become true classics, among them herperennial versions of “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and “I Loves You, Porgy”. (The lattertrack 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 & pianoJimmy Bond, bassAlbert “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.

• 1. My Baby Just Cares For Me
• 2. Mood Indigo
• 3. Don't Smoke In Bed
• 4. He Needs Me
• 5. Little Girl Blue
• 6. Love Me or Leave Me
• 7. He's Got the Whole World In His Hands *
• 8. African Mailman *
• 9. Good Bait
• 10. Plain Gold Ring
• 11. You'll Never Walk Alone
• 12. I Loves You Porgy
• 13. Central Park Blues
• 14. For All We Know *