Baltimore
Originally cut in Brussels for the CTI label, this 1978 studio effort is something of an oddity in Nina Simone's lengthy oeuvre. The repertoire ranges from the Randy Newman title track to the Hall & Oates hit "Rich Girl" to the traditional "Balm in Gilead." (Simone complained that she "no say whatsoever" in the song selection.) Sidemen include studio pros Andy Newmark, Will Lee, and Eric Gale, who explore reggae and rock rhythms that have dated a bit. Nevertheless, the material matches Simone's maturing voice, makingBaltimorean estimable if not earthshaking accomplishment.--Steven Stolder