Nina Simone is such a singular talent—and this record is a great showcase of her at peak performance. It was her first on RCA Victor, recorded in their New York studios, and produced by Danny Davis who had produced Connie Francis and Lana Cantrell. The “I Want a Little Sugar In My Bowl” and “Since I Fell For You” are just killer here.

Abbey Lincoln shares co-writing credit on “Blues for Mama,” the closing track.

My copy—direct from the new Vinyl Me Please—is a 2024 reissue in the Vinyl Me Please Essentials track, pressed at GZ Media with lacquer cut at Sterling Sound by Ryan Smith. It’s a beautiful package and sounds great.