Poll: Nina Simone - Favorite Era

While I realize that she recorded both before and afterward for a variety of labels, the majority of Nina Simone's catalog appeared on Colpix (late 50s to mid 60s), Philips (mid 60s) and RCA (late 60s-70s).

I love her music from all three periods, but I tend to gravitate to the Philips albums.

Which do you prefer?

 

I like material in all eras, but the Philips era does sound amazing, and catches her in prime shape. Listen to a stereo Broadway Blues Ballads, or else a mono Pastel Blues on Philips. God... great sound on a clean pressing.

 

I voted RCA, only because her best album appeared on that album, Sings The Blues (in my opinion).
Her second best, her debut, Little Girl Blue, was on Bethlehem (in my opinion), not in the poll.
But her most productive period was on Philips. Overall, I think she was best with a sparse backing, not a big fan of the string arrangements that drag down some of the Philips stuff.

 

Philips era

 

Its all good.

 

Hey, where is the Bethlehem label. My favorite album is Little Girl Blue.

 

While I realize that she recorded both before and afterward for a variety of labels, the majority of Nina Simone's catalog appeared on Colpix (late 50s to mid 60s), Philips (mid 60s) and RCA (late 60s-70s).

 

Tried to pick......couldn't....

 

She was never recorded very well, it's a shame really.

 

All of the above.

 

all great, but i vote colpix.
it's the era were she discovered herself and her powers.
i think the colpix live albums are hard to top.

 

She was lucky to be on various labels who were sensitive to her needs, or appeared to be - which resulted in many fine quality recordings that sound good today on high end equipment.

The Philips stuff is just jaw dropping, sounding rather "there" when you get an early pressing.