Soul Sessions at Trafalgar Studios

A companion piece to Apphia Campbell’s global one-woman hit Black​ Is the Colour of My Voice, which tells the compelling and often tragic story of her creation, famed jazz musician Mina Bordeaux – who was inspired by the fascinating life and unforgettable music of legend Nina Simone – Soul​ Sessions is more than capable of taking centre stage in its own right as a thoroughly entertaining cabaret. 

Mina and her trademark head wrap are gone, and Miss Campbell enters in flowing red and pearls. She effortlessly interacts and enraptures the crowd with songs and tales of why the singer, actress and writer left her home in New York for adventures in Asia and the way Nina’s music always resonates so deeply within her. The setting is sparse, just a table, the songstress, a laptop and a piano accompaniment, yet the performer manages to fill and hold the room with her own natural talent and captivating personality. 

During Black Is the Colour of My Voice she confesses some raw and deeply painful recollections, but Campbell’s breezy humour in Soul​ Sessions is quite the departure. However, her desire to celebrate Nina’s glory along with her own playful charm and inviting nature, quickly ensures that the audience participate with glee and gusto. 

Nina Simone’s classics have been covered countless times, yet Campbell expresses her music so intrinsically. Each song is shared with passion and precision as her stunning voice soars then smoulders, caressing every note for maximum connection and impact, making these well-known hits, I Loves You Porky, Wild Is the Wind, My Baby Just Cares For Me and, in particular, Four​ Women, all her own, allowing us to witness the singer’s life-long devotion to the high priestess of soul. 

After several moments of well deserved thunderous applause, Campbell kindly grants us a rousing encore, bringing Soul​ Sessions to a sensational feel-good finale. 

Laura Jorden

Soul Sessions is at Trafalgar Studios from 5^th February until 2^nd March 2019. Book your tickets here.

Read our review of Black Is the Colour of My Voice here.