Blues charts

Review: Nina Simone has rather been written out of popular music history because of quite how confrontational and proudly Black she was. She was just as far ahead of her times musically too and this legendary album Baltimore shows why. It arrived with no promotion and no lead singles and so it was an utter commercial failure, but the sleuths of the internet have rediscovered it over the 45 years since its release and helped to make it a cult favourite now regarded as one of the best in her oeuvre. It has distinctive reggae production and of course plenty of beautiful vocals from Simone as she tackles songs written by Judy Collins, Hall & Oates, and Randy Newman.

Review: Dark Horse Records has put together this limited edition pressing of Nina Simone's seminal debut studio album, Little Girl Blue, in honour of its 65th anniversary. Originally released in February 1959, this special pink vinyl reissue features a 12x12 insert with an introduction by Dhani Harrison and of course the record itself includes many an iconic track. Take your pick from the likes of 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'I Loves You, Porgy' which showcase Simone's early brilliance and hint at her profound influence on music in the decades to come. This collector's item is a tribute to Simone's timeless sound.

Review: It is fair to say that this Nina Simone live album really captures the legendary singer at her raw and most powerful best. Recorded during her 1969 European tour, this live recording showcases Simone's incredible ability to blend genres-jazz, blues, folk, and soul-while delivering deeply emotional performances. Songs like 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' and 'Why? (The King Of Love Is Dead)' reflect her lyrical prowess and elsewhere her activism and social consciousness shine through. Her haunting renditions of classics, combined with virtuosic piano playing, make for a magnetic listen that all these years on is a great record of Simone's enduring brilliance, charisma, and her role as a vital cultural and musical innovator.