Nina Simone
Live At Ronnie Scott’s
(MVD)

Live
(Kultur)

The late, great Nina Simone is recorded at two distinct moments in her career. The 1985 show at Ronnie Scott’s in London has been available for some time and captures her and drummer Paul Robinson performing 12 of her biggest hits. It was apparently very hot on stage and Simone appears to be extremely uncomfortable as she attempts to wipe the sweat off her brow and play at the same time. There are a few moments when it seems as though she might stop the show, but she soldiers on, much to the delight of the crowd. There are also several interview segments that reinforce the notion of Simone growing a little nutty in her later years.

Live was filmed in 1961 and 1962 in a New York City studio, minus an audience. While only 30 minutes long, Simone and her trio create some deeply soulful music as they perform a medley from Porgy & Bess, “For All We Know,” the African chain gang song “Zungo” and five others. This is a special little piece of musical history. -- David Bassin