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"Little Girl Blue," released in 1957, was Nina Simone's first record, originally released by Bethlehem. Backed by bassist Jimmy Bond and Albert 'Tootie' Heath, Simone showcases her mysterious and sensual-sounding melodic voice, her lively and confident jazz style, and an enigmatic and down-to-earth sensibility that is nonetheless tasteful. The album also showcases an outstanding jazz pianist. Simone was an expert improviser, but never strayed far from the blues.
The opening track is good evidence, her interpretation of Duke Ellington's "Mood Indigo," which in a sense snaps its fingers and swings while the phrasing remains deeply rooted in the blues. For contrast, there follows a version - if not the ultimate - of Willard Robison's hot ballad on the theme of 'leaving your sweetheart/love one', "Don't Smoke in Bed". The title track, penned by Rodgers & Hart, is "Good King Wenceslas" as a classic prelude to one of the most beautiful pop ballads ever written. It is followed in funky swing by "Love Me Or Leave Me" with a blistering little piano solo in the transition where Bach meets Horace Silver and Bobby Timmons.
It is also interesting to note that, although this was Simone's first recording, it presents an artist who appears to have matured to full stature on the stage; many of the characteristics that have distinguished Simone throughout her career, not only as a singer and pianist but also as an arranger, are evident here for the first time. "My Baby Just Cares For Me" has a sweeping shuffle that continues in the piano interlude. She makes the best use of her skills, both on the instrument and in improvising, on Tadd Dameron's "Good Bait," which is transformed from its originally intended bebop to a classical piece. "You'll Never Walk Alone" feels more like a majestic gospel song than the musical tune originally written by Rodgers & Hammerstein. And of course, one of Simone's signature tunes was her version of "I Loves You, Porgy," heard here for the first time and released as a single. Her own "Central Park Blues" is one of the most beautiful jazz tunes on this record.
Nina Simone (p, voc); Jimmy Bond (b); Albert “Tootie” Heath (dr)
Side A
1. Mood Indigo
2. Don't Smoke In Bed
3. He Needs Me
4. Little Girl Blue
5. Love Me Or Leave Me
6. My Baby Just Cares For Me
Side B
1. Good Bait
2. Plain Gold Ring
3. You'll Never Walk Alone
4. I Loves You Porgy
5. Central Park Blues