Watch Nina Simone - Live at Montreux 1976

Nina Simone's performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1976 is a legendary moment in music history, and the live recording of the concert captures the singer and pianist at the height of her powers. Throughout the 90-minute set, Simone delivers a mix of jazz, blues, soul, and folk that showcases her formidable vocal range, technical ability, and emotional depth.

The concert begins with a stripped-down version of "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair," with Simone accompanying herself on piano. From there, she moves through a range of moods and styles, including the powerful blues number "Backlash Blues," the poignant ballad "Little Girl Blue," and the political anthem "Mississippi Goddam," which she introduces with an impassioned speech about the state of race relations in America.

What is most striking about Simone's performance is the sheer force of her personality. Whether she is playing a song with gentle delicacy or belting out a roaring anthem, she exudes a raw, unfiltered intensity that commands the audience's attention. Her voice is an instrument of astonishing power and nuance, capable of conveying both great tenderness and great rage.

Simone's between-song banter is also worth noting; she is a charismatic and engaging performer, and her interactions with the audience are filled with warmth, humor, and a touch of sly provocation. At one point, she stops mid-concert to chastise the crowd for not giving her the respect she deserves: "If you don't like what you're hearing, take your ass home," she tells them. "But if you do like it, applaud."

Other highlights of the set include a pair of haunting ballads, "Plain Gold Ring" and "Ain't Got No/I Got Life," a cover of George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," and a raucous version of the gospel standard "Sinnerman," which Simone transforms into a frenzied call and response with the audience.

Throughout the concert, Simone's backing band, which includes guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, provides a solid foundation for her virtuosic flights of vocal and pianistic fancy. The musicians are clearly in awe of their leader, and they respond beautifully to her every gesture and cue.

The recording quality of the concert is excellent, with clear, full-bodied sound that puts the listener right in the midst of the performance. The DVD release includes a bonus interview with Simone from around the same time, in which she discusses her life and career in engaging and candid detail.

Taken as a whole, Nina Simone - Live at Montreux 1976 is an essential document of one of the greatest performers of the 20th century at the top of her game. It is a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience that will leave you in awe of Simone's incredible talent and indomitable spirit.