Music that tells a story through rhythm and soul
Lisa Simone is unmistakably her own voice. A singer, composer, and storyteller, her artistry transcends genres and generations. As the daughter of the legendary Nina Simone, Lisa carries forward the tradition of the griot (musical storytelling) but does so in her own way: with a rich vocal range, deep emotional sensitivity, and a rare ability to translate lived experience into song.
How did Lisa Simone find her voice?
Born in 1962, Lisa Simone grew up in the orbit of her mother’s pioneering artistry, moving constantly between Europe and Africa. Determined to carve out her own path, she joined the United States Air Force. It was there, during a spontaneous performance in a bar in Germany, that her calling revealed itself.
Rooted in gospel, jazz, and soul, Lisa left the military to pursue music full-time. She would later share the stage with her mother, while steadily building a career defined by independence, resilience, and artistic depth.
What makes the Lisa Simone Quartet special?
The Lisa Simone Quartet brings together outstanding musicians whose collective experience and sensitivity elevate every performance:
- Neville Malcolm (bass) – Based in the UK, Malcolm has performed, recorded, and toured worldwide with artists such as Roy Ayers, George Benson, Eric Bibb, Gabrielle, Incognito, José James, Tom Jones, China Moses, Frank McComb, and Gregory Porter.
- Paul Robinson (drums) – Also based in the UK, Robinson has toured and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Nina Simone, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Jan Hammer, Eric Bibb, Mose Allison, The Art of Noise, The Proclaimers, and The Buggles.
- Simon Wallace (piano & composition) – A UK-based pianist and composer, Wallace has recorded and toured internationally with leading British jazz singers such as Ian Shaw, Clare Teal, and Barb Jungr. He has also arranged and directed television performances for artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Kylie Minogue, Marianne Faithfull, Lulu, Boy George, and Emeli Sandé.
Together, the quartet creates performances that feel like a conversation between musicians and audience, where emotional honesty and musical craft meet effortlessly.
Which projects define her artistry?
Lisa Simone’s breakthrough came with All Is Well (2014), an album that firmly established her voice beyond the shadow of her mother’s legacy. Blending jazz, soul, R&B, and gospel, the record highlights her authenticity, musical depth, and commanding presence.
This was followed by My World, officially launched in 2016 at Paris’ Olympia, further cementing her reputation as a powerful live performer. In 2017, Lisa Simone Live at the Edge – a big band tribute to Nina Simone – was recorded in Norway before two sold-out audiences, building on the earlier live album Simone on Simone (2008). Her third self-written studio album, In Need of Love, was released in late 2019 to widespread anticipation.
During the pause imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa reflected on her journey and embraced a period of renewal. Today, she stands at the threshold of a new creative chapter, approaching her work with clarity, intention, and joy – with new projects already on the horizon.
Beyond recording and touring, Lisa Simone has appeared on Broadway in principal roles in the original casts of Rent and Disney’s Aida, and served as executive producer of the multi-award-winning Netflix documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?, about her mother, Dr. Nina Simone.
Awards and recognition
Lisa Simone’s career has been recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature, Peabody and Emmy Awards, and Grammy nominations for What Happened, Miss Simone? and as singer/co-writer on Liquid Soul’s Here’s the Deal. She also received the National Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Aida.
Before fully dedicating herself to music, Lisa served ten years in the United States Air Force and earned a degree in Civil Engineering, a testament to her discipline, determination, and multifaceted talent.
Why experience Lisa Simone Quartet live at Jazz in the Park?
A Lisa Simone concert is never just a performance, it is a journey. From intimate ballads to gospel-infused grooves, her music invites listeners to feel and reflect.
If you wanna discover more about her, we recommend checking her website https://lisasimonemusic.com/
Lisa Simone Quartet
Live at Jazz in the Park 2026
Ethnographic Park, Cluj-Napoca
June 5–7, 2026
Limited tickets available https://bilete.jazzinthepark.ro/
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