The Amazing Nina Simone

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Transitioning to a new label and significantly larger production budgets, this polished sophomore effort places the fiercely independent artist in front of lush, expansive orchestral and big band arrangements. Despite the highly commercialized studio setting, her unmistakably deep, expressive contralto and classical piano flourishes cut through the traditional pop sheen. The eclectic tracklist—ranging from English folk ballads to swinging jazz standards—early on demonstrated her refusal to be confined to a single stylistic box.