Simone, Nina
Forbidden Fruit (clear)
First issued in 1961 on Columbias early music venture Colpix, Forbidden Fruit is widely acknowledged as the best of Nina Simones early releases. Producer Cal Lampley choose to cast her in varied settings, blending a rendition of Oscar Browns Rags And Old Iron with a unique take of Bessie Smiths Gin House Blues, contrasting with Billie Holidays No Good Man and Ill Look Around, which Simone shifts to her own image. Her backing trio aim for the understated, the rhythm section leaving ample room for Simones appealing piano lines, nicely complimented by Al Shackmans guitar. An excellent set from Miss Simone - grab it!