Collectables Jazz Classics (series)

At The Village Gate

by Nina Simone

Description by OLDIES.com:

'Eclectic' may be the best way to describe Nina Simone. She sang pop, jazz, blues, soul, gospel, even Broadway show tunes, sometimes all on the same album! This album captures her at her live best in front of an enthusiastic audience of fans. A truly remarkable performance from one of the music world's true originals.

Product Description:

Personnel includes: Nina Simone (vocals); Al Shackman (guitar); Chris White (bass); Bobby Hamilton (drums).

Recorded at The Village Gate, New York, New York.

LIVE AT THE VILLAGE GATE captures a 1961 performance at an intimate New York club early in the singer's career. Originally released on the Colpix label, this much-acclaimed recording features Nina's androgynous, mahogany vocals alongside her classically influenced piano playing, supported by a trio of fine musicians. Simone's music defies categorization--she expertly dips into jazz, folk, blues, gospel, and then some. With her unique artistry and highly charged performances, she cuts to the core or her audience's emotions.

Highlights of this set include a biting version of "The House of the Rising Sun," a shuffling version of "Just in Time," a heartbreaking "He Was Too Good to Me," an African flavored "Zungo," and an instrumental version of "Bye Bye Blackbird," in which her complex piano arrangement calls to mind the works of Bach. This concert still sounds as fresh and original as the night it was recorded.