Nina Simone – The Amazing Nina Simone

The Amazing Nina Simone, released in July 1959 on Colpix, represents an early pivot in Nina Simone’s recorded identity. While her debut album leaned heavily on her pianistic instincts, on this record she steps further into the role of vocalist supported by lush string and horn arrangements crafted by Bob Mersey. The repertoire spans jazz standards, folk, gospel, and ballads, reflecting her versatility and desire to explore emotional nuance. Though Nina continues to play piano, the orchestral backing allows her voice and interpretive gifts to come forward in a new light.

On songs like “Willow Weep for Me,” “It Might as Well Be Spring,” and her original “Children Go Where I Send You,” Simone blends clarity, pathos, and expressive restraint. The record captures the tension of artistic transition—her voice soaring above complex arrangements even as she navigates more produced textures than on her debut. In retrospect, The Amazing Nina Simone is valued for expanding her expressive palette and demonstrating that her artistry would not be confined to one mode. It occupies an essential place in her early evolution and continues to intrigue listeners for its ambition and refinement.