Search - Nina Simone :: Live at Ronnie Scott's

Recorded in London in 1984, this is an intense set that benefits greatly from a minimalist approach: eschewing her usual quartet backing, here it's just Simone at the keys and Paul Robinson on drums. After more than two and a half decades of performing, the headstrong North Carolinian had forged a wide-ranging, distinctive repertoire. Here she treats her British fans to such longtime set staples as "I Loves You, Porgy," "See Line Woman," "Mississippi Goddam," and "My Baby Just Cares for Me." The real highlight, however, is a medley of the heartbreaking original "If You Knew" with Brecht-Weil's "Mr. Smith." This isn't the smoothest club gig ever recorded, but the star of the show is focused and forceful, which, in Simone's case, makes for engrossing listening. --Steven Stolder