She has been dead for over 20 years, but the legend of Nina Simone lives on and lives large. Nina was a trailblazer. A gifted classical pianist, she studied at Julliard.

However, shortly after she found a job playing at a New York jazz bar where the owner insisted hat she sing, Nina found her style and her rollercoaster career was launched.

Lisa Simone: Keeper of the Flame. Photo supplied

Lisa Simone was Nina’s only child. She was there during the good times and the period when Nina was at the forefront of the Civil Right Movement. However, she was also a victim of psychological and physical abuse by her mother when she lived with her after her parents had separated and had to return to live with her father for her own safety.

So, how does one keep that flame alive? Nina amassed a vast catalogue of recordings and live performances. What songs do you select from a canon with an emotional arc that spans the rage of Mississippi Goddamn! to the sensuality of I Loves You Porgy?

When Lisa was offered the opportunity to record her mother’s works with a...