Singer Nina Simone made quite a fuss over Baltimore. Recorded in Brussels in January 1978 while Simone was living in Paris, the album was produced by Creed Taylor. The soulful, socially conscious singer was given an unusual contemporary background by arranger Dave Matthews. The result was a new lift and feel for the singer - a change-up that warmed her blunt, deep style.
On the title song (used heavily on smash TV series, The Wire), Simone is backed by a Jamaican rock-steady beat. Her version of "Rich Gir" may be the best cover of the Daryl Hall and John Oates song, ever. And certainly the string arrangement on "That's All I Want From You" is glorious, as is the Jamaican-influenced "Balm In Gilead" and gospel closer "If You Pray Right".