Is Nina Simone Sings Ellington a good place to start with Nina Simone?

Yes, Nina Simone Sings Ellington is recommended as a starting point for new Nina Simone listeners. A rich tapestry of jazz and soul, woven with Simone's emotive voice and Ellington's sophisticated compositions. Released in 1962, 'Nina Simone Sings Ellington' marked Simone's first collaboration with the legendary composer Duke Ellington. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from her initial success with 'I Put a Spell on You' towards establishing herself as a formidable interpreter of jazz standards. This album reflected both her artistic growth and deepening connection to the jazz canon.

Who is Nina Simone Sings Ellington for?

Nina Simone Sings Ellington works well if you're into steady melodic flow throughout, soulful vocals for intimate moments and for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Nina Simone Sings Ellington?

Nina Simone Sings Ellington has 11 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Nina Simone Sings Ellington

Nina Simone · 1962

32 min · 11 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of jazz and soul, woven with Simone's emotive voice and Ellington's sophisticated compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Do Nothin’ ’til You Hear From Me Start here — The opening track sets a playful yet sophisticated tone, showcasing Simone’s ability to blend her vocal prowess with Ellington's intricate melodies.
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I Got It Bad — Simone delivers a heart-wrenching performance that captures the depth of longing and vulnerability, illustrating her emotional range as an artist.
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Solitude — Here, Simone's haunting interpretation transforms the song into a poignant meditation on loneliness, highlighting her unique capability to convey complex emotions.
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Satin Doll — This track features an elegant arrangement that allows Simone's voice to shine, demonstrating her seamless integration of jazz rhythms with classical influences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Simone's emotive interpretations of Ellington's work create a compelling blend of jazz and blues.

What we noticed

Each track is structured around Ellington's compositions, with Simone often adding her own emotional interpretation through phrasing and dynamics.
The final track, 'It Don’t Mean a Thing', contrasts with the preceding songs by introducing a more upbeat tempo and playful energy.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic flow throughout
soulful vocals for intimate moments
for afternoon relaxation
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy excitement
prefer lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked Simone's first collaboration with Ellington, expanding her recognition.
Themes: Duke Ellington's elegance· jazz-infused longing· sophisticated heartbreak
Moods: Chill· Romantic
Career context: Released in 1962, 'Nina Simone Sings Ellington' marked Simone's first collaboration with the legendary composer Duke Ellington. At this point in her career, she was transitioning from her initial success with 'I Put a Spell on You' towards establishing herself as a formidable interpreter of jazz standards. This album reflected both her artistic growth and deepening connection to the jazz canon.
Stylistic neighbors: Billie Holiday· Ella Fitzgerald· Aretha Franklin