Nina Simone recorded BROADWAY BLUES BALLADS for the Philips label in 1964 as an attempt to broaden her appeal to a more mainstream audience. This release is notable for introducing two now-classic Nina Simone tracks, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood" with its under-the-surface civil rights connotations, and "See-Line Woman," an ironic song about a high class prostitute, featuring Simone's own African-style percussive arrangement.
While nothing on the album really qualifies as blues, the album features such Broadway show tunes as Cole Porter's "The Laziest Gal in Town," and Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Something Wonderful," which loses all its cloying qualities in Simone's hands. The heavily-orchestrated arrangements, which are firmly rooted in the mid-'60s pop sound, are produced by Hal Mooney.
Personnel includes: Nina Simone (vocals, piano); Horace Ott's Orchestra, Hal Mooney's Orchestra. Recorded in New York, in 1964. Originally released on Philips (PHS 600 148). Includes liner notes by James Galvin and Langston Hughes.
- Format: Vinyl
- Genre: Jazz, Blues
- Black Vinyl
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Track Listing:
A1 Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
A2 Night Song (From The Musical "Golden Boy")
A3 The Laziest Gal In Town
A4 Something Wonderful (From "The King And I")
A5 Don't Take All Night
A6 Nobody
B1 I Am Blessed
B2 Of This I'm Sure
B3 See-Line Woman
B4 Our Love (Will See Us Through)
B5 How Can I
B6 The Last Rose Of Summer
