Music / Reviews
Review: Lady Nade sings Nina Simone, Bristol Beacon – ‘A soulful and cathartic homage to a trailblazer ’
Fate has a way of surprising us. Some 60 years ago, at what was once known as Colston Hall, Nina Simone poured her heart into a performance that captivated audiences. Fast forward to 2024, and the venue now bearing her name on its ‘Steps of Fame’ was set to be honoured by an artist whose musical journey was inspired by Simone herself.
Epithets like ‘pioneer,’ ‘trailblazer,’ and ‘icon’ have lost much of their meaning over time, but none of these are too grand for Nina Simone. She broke barriers and brought the joy of music to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, with her golden stream of voice and unparalleled artistry.
For Lady Nade, the Bristol-born, multi-award-winning Americana and folk artist, the evening was a poignant tribute to the legacy of Nina Simone, an artist she credits for shaping her musical path.
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In an interview with Bristol24/7, Lady Nade spoke about her first encounter with Simone’s music, which came via her grandfather’s mixtapes. Hearing Feeling Good for the first time was a transformative experience, a “Damascene moment” when she knew she wanted to “feel this.”
Each song was infused with Lady Nade’s unique touch, while still honouring Simone’s legacy
On the night of her homecoming concert at Bristol Beacon, the stormy weather outside mirrored the intensity inside the Lantern Hall. As the winds howled, Lady Nade, alongside her five-piece band, delivered a performance that was equally powerful, filled with raw emotions.
From the moment she stepped on stage, the excitement in the air was palpable. The audience showered Lady Nade with adulation, and she kicked off the evening with a nonchalant rendition of Be My Husband.
Her voice, blending soulful depth and polished technique, filled the hall with its energy, effortlessly shifting from the hauntingly beautiful to the empowering anthems that Nina Simone made famous.
Her rendition of Mr Bojangles was particularly stunning, gliding through the notes with ease and grace which then sublimated with a flawless top B♭.
Each song was infused with Lady Nade’s unique touch, while still honouring Simone’s legacy. Her connection to her roots was shared between songs, recounting stories of her childhood and how Simone’s boldness had influenced her musical journey.
Also, a heartfelt tribute was paid to her late grandmother, whose passing had a profound effect on her songwriting journey, which added another layer of intimacy to the evening.
For Lady Nade , it was not just a concert, but a homecoming—a celebration of her journey, both personal and musical.
The setlist balanced Nina Simone’s jazz roots with Lady Nade’s eclectic blend of folk, soul, and blues. Her take on I Put a Spell on You was a standout, showcasing her vocal control and emotional resonance while still bringing a jarring rendition to the celebrated song.
The first half also included soulful songs like Love Me or Leave Me and the vocally demanding Work Song, where Lady Nade delivered the cadence with unwavering intensity.
The audience, a mix of ages and backgrounds, included several who had witnessed Nina Simone’s 1963 performance at Colston Hall.
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One such fan, Gill from Henbury, who travelled through the stormy evening with two friends, commented on the uncanny resemblance of the two performers. When asked about the performance, she simply said, “beautiful” with a glint in her eyes. Although she noted that the band’s volume might have been a bit overwhelming at times.
That may be. But who can complain when five composer-songwriters of their own right create a memorable synergy? Ruth Hammond’s full-bodied piano accompaniments and Sophie Stockham’s luscious sax solos, complemented by Holly Carter‘s nuanced guitar licks, held together by the metronomic drum and bass of Matt Stockham Brown and Paul Sandy created pure magic.
The second half of the show began with Lady Nade walking through the middle of the Lantern Hall, greeting the crowd with a flawless rendition of Feeling Good. From there, she moved into the cheekily suggestive Take Care of Business, which she delivered with unapologetic energy.
The set also included Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and Lilac Wine, the latter earning a raucous reception for its heartfelt delivery and compelling storytelling.
For Lady Nade, the evening was a poignant tribute to the legacy of Nina Simone, an artist she credits for shaping her own musical path
As the evening came to a close with Sinnerman, the crowd erupted, bringing Lady Nade back for an encore featuring Complicated, dedicated to her late grandmother.
After the final notes faded, Lady Nade came down to meet and greet the audience, capping off an unforgettable homecoming concert.
All photos: Milan Perera
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