EDINBURGH 2015 - BWW Reviews: NINA SIMONE SOUL SESSIONS, Assembly Checkpoint, August 22 2015

Last year I reviewed a play at the Fringe called Black Is The Color Of My Voice. At the time, I remarked that although the play was excellent, my favourite parts were the songs featured and it was a shame that none of them were full length. It would seem that my wish has been granted as the performer Apphia Campbell is performing a brand new cabaret style show in which she performs the songs in their entirety!

While the songs are all that of Nina Simone, this is not her story. This performance is about Campbell and how this music inspired her throughout her life. We don't delve too deeply into her story which is a positive as I fear it would become self indulgent. There is just the right amount of background information, punctuated with funny stories and wonderful songs.

Campbell is accompanied by the excellent Joe Louis Robinson on keys and they are the perfect musical pairing. The setting for this performance is a simple cabaret style and it works really well for them.

The audience are a little flat to begin with. If I were to guess, I would say that they perhaps didn't realise this wasn't the story of Simone. Apphia Campbell is not deterred by the sedate crowd and gives off a huge energy for the whole show. Her enthusiasm is contagious and by the end of the performance everybody is on their feet dancing with a huge smile on their face!

Ticket information for Nina Simone: Soul Sessions is available on the edfringe website.