on last night so guess an iplayer affair to view now

 

 

Secret Knowledge -

17. Nina Simone & Me with Laura Mvula

30 mins

 

Over half a century since she first performed her songs, Nina Simone is more popular than ever. From Sinnerman to Mississippi Goddam, Feeling Good to My Baby Just Cares for Me, she is an artist with an extraordinary songbook that mixes jazz, blues, soul and even classical.

British soul singer Laura Mvula travels to New York to celebrate the Nina songs that mean most to her and explore their musical roots. Performing with a Harlem gospel choir, uncovering the influence of Nina's classical training and meetingSimone's long-time guitarist Al Shackman, Laura presents a personal tribute to the genius of her musical hero.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b05wps6k/secret-knowledge-17-nina-simone-me-with-laura-mvula

I watched this when it was shown last week, very interesting hearing the guitarist who played with Nina talk about her,  for me the girl who is singing when the Gospel section starts sings Mvula under the table,

Interesting and enjoyable. Laura very obviously influenced by Nina but thats no bad thing. Simone really was an intense artist, wasn't she?

 

 

I'm convinced that in every choir, in every church across the USA there is one or more talented singer.