Nina Simone

I’ve always loved Nina Simone, she has a voice that physically moves me, she carries a quality that no other female singer before or after has possessed. On March 9, 1999 at the Royal Philharmonic in Liverpool, I was lucky enough to see her live.
The thought of seeing her on stage was a dream realized, the build up prior to the concert was like being 10 again, the week before Christmas. Counting down the days before I’d get my chance to see an indomitable spirit in music, in the flesh and in my hometown. I remember being in a famous bar in Liverpool, strangely enough called the Philharmonic, just across the road from the venue itself. I’d ordered a pint and was so nervous I had to leave, the need to be inside the Philharmonic was so strong.
The place was absolutely electric with people of all different nationalities bustling around trying to find their seats, greeting friends readying themselves for the start of the performance. The lights dimmed, the audience hushed and Nina Simone was politely introduced onto the stage. I can’t describe that feeling of seeing here for the first time as she carefully walked across the stage; nervous, trembling with anticipation, fearful for her age; her voice, her passion (she was 66) and on she walked to rapturous applause. The voice was higher pitched, the depth not quite there but the fire and tenacity she is renowned for was brought to bear on every song!
The night was a complete blur, I’ve tried to remember the song order, whether she standing or sitting, did she play the piano, the colour of her dress, how many backing musicians… But nothing, I was completely swept away by the occasion! The things I do remember; hairs standing on end all over my body, listening to shouts of encouragement from the audience, sitting next to black lady who stood whenever she wanted, with one hand up in the air touching her head and chest rocking from side to side, tears rolling down her cheeks utterly mesmerized.
This wasn’t a concert it was an experience and I was privileged enough to witness it and it felt good.