Nina at the Village Gate


Nina Simone at the Village Gate is a live album by singer Nina Simone. Released in early 1962, it was her third live album for Colpix. The album was recorded at The Village Gate, a nightclub in Greenwich Village, New York in late March 1961, nearly a year before it saw release. The recording was made by Richard Alderson, who at the time was the sound engineer at the Village Gate. The original release featured eight of the twelve songs performed at the gig. In 2005, an extended version of the album was released with the four remaining tracks.

Background

The album marks the inclusion of folk songs and African-related songs early in Simone's career. Richard Pryor had one of his first nights as a comedian opening for her.

Use in media

Critical reception

The record received a glowing response when reviewed in 2012 by Gaslight Records, being given a rating of 9.5/10. The reviewer highlighted the "rawness of the recording technique", stating that it catches the "incredible atmosphere" of the nightclub and succeeds in presenting "a young Nina Simone in her most real and free flowing state yet and this is perhaps most apparent in the way that her flawless vocal along with her innovative and dynamic piano playing shine through as effortless and unrivalled abilities without any need for recording studio gloss or trickery." AllMusic's reviewer stated that "Nina Simone, who was always in a category by herself, is heard throughout in her early prime," and that she "has the rare ability of really being able to dig into material and bring out unexpected meaning in familiar lyrics."

Personnel