British singer Corinne Bailey Rae ("Put Your Records On") has cited watching a DVD of Nina Simone performing at the 1976 Montreux Jazz Festival as a pivotal inspiration during the difficult process of making her new album, The Sea. (Her husband, musician Jason Rae, died of an accidental overdose in March 2008.) Just as life in France served the High Priestess of Soul well, Rae looks and sounds quite content as she frolics through the City of Lights in this clip for her latest single, "Paris Nights/New York Mornings."

Check it out after the jump!



If she truly aspires to achieve the Parisian "nonchalance" she mentions, Rae should probably refrain from scampering all over their landmarks like pre-teen gymnast. But when the music sounds this delightful, the French should just suck it up and offer to spot her.