The Nina Simone Web - Songs directory
   CD   Black Gold
BMG Japan BVCJ-37236 (2002)
 
  Recording live session 1969 Oct. 26, New York, Philarmonic Hall
Introduction [2:36]
  Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair   Traditional [07:20]
  Ain't Got No/I Got Life   Gerome Ragni, James Rado, Gal McDermot [05:27]
  Westwind [09:32]
  Who Knows Where the Time Goes   Sandy Denny [08:08]
  Assignment Sequence   Hendin [06:24]
  To Be Young, Gifted And Black   Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine jr [10:04]
 
Nina's last album to list Andrew Stroud as producer (this is the CD version).

Review by Jason Luckett on Amazon

I'm talking about the vinyl version here, which I spent [$$$] on about 10 years ago, and though I'm waiting for a domestic copy, (there's one coming out with Emergency Ward and It Is Finished combined) I can heartily endorse this album. The gender flip, self-affirming alternate examination of "Black Is the Color" is priceless. I can't believe this version hasn't been as widely available as the songs "Images" and "Turning Point." It kind of completes a powerful trilogy of self awareness. Then to hear her close the set with "To Be Young Gifted and Black" you'll be transported to a time where pain was present, but nihilism wasn't an option. It's the sort of moment captured that inspires one to hold his head up, grab a hand and walk into a hostile world beaming with the strength of love and hope.

Now the only weird thing about it is that the whole album isn't entirely live, as anyone who has the Sugar In My Bowl collection knows. But however this collage was put together, the net result is extremely inspirational art.


 
Comments to Mauro Boscarol