Verve /Universal Music Group releases a re-mastered vinyl of an essential Nina Simone album.
Nina Simone – Wild Is The Wind – Phillips Records PHS 600-207 1966)/Verve/Universal Music Group B0036752-01 (2023) Acoustic Sounds Series 180-gram stereo vinyl, 39:08 ****1/2:
(Nina Simone – piano, vocals; Rudy Rainger – flute, guitar; Lisle Atkinson – double bass, bass; Bobby Hamilton – drums)
After being rejected for a scholarship at a prestigious music school (to which she was awarded a posthumous degree), Nina Simone was aware of the prevalent racism in 1950’s America. Consequently, she choose to become a different type of jazz artist. Her debut, Little Girl Blue (1959) began a recording career that spanned two decades and included 40 albums. The baroque-inspired jazz piano and contralto vocals defined a unique style of gospel. The first single, “I Loves You Porgy” became a trademark of this artist. But her 1964 song, “Mississippi Goddam” accurately represented Simone’s deep commitment to the Civil Rights movement. This controversial song most likely impacted the singer’s career in a negative way. Thanks to recent documentaries like Summer Of Soul, a new generation of music lovers was able to appreciate the inspirational vision of Ninas Simone
Verve/Universal Music Group has released a 180-gram re-mastered vinyl of the 1966 album, Wild Is The Wind. Side 1 opens with a “down ’n’ dirty” r& b gospel song, “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways”. Simone’s vocals display the visceral urgency which includes a rollicking gospel call & response with the backup singers. Simone’s identity as a feminist and ethnic advocate permeate the narratives of “Four Women”. There is an hypnotic piano bass hook, and her sultry, delivery is quintessential. The scaled-down piano solo is compelling and the arrangement builds momentum to an anguished exhortation. Like much of her music it is emotionally powerful. The orchestral-infused “What More Can I Say” showcases the extraordinary stylized vocals. “Lilac Wine” has a dirge-like solo piano accompaniment, and Simone’s plaintive translation distills all of the innate melancholy. She transforms this into a near-spiritual personal number. “That’s All That I Ask” is complex and jazzy with subtle, lilting horn accents. Her use of slight vibrato is impressive. “Break Down And Let It All Out” has the fuller cinematic sound of the mid 60’s, especially with tempo upticks.
“Why Keep On Breaking My Heart” is late night jazz framed by guitar before a Latin-tinged transition. The title cut is simple mesmerizing. Previously recorded by Johnny Mathis, Simone reinvents it as a flowing jazzy reverie. Her deep voice embraces the lyrics and the piano has classical flourishes. This jazzy version of Dmitri Tiomkin’s movie theme takes on a life of its own and may be forever associated with Nina Simone. Her dramatic intonation and range is reminiscent of Sarah Vaughan, especially on “Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair”. The meditative, soulful resonance is articulated by the unique vocal technique and minimalist piano. More classical piano motifs surround “If I Should Lose You”, as the deliberate pace translates the yearning for love. The finale (“Either Way I Lose”) is a vamp-driven blues reflection of the elusiveness of romance. There is a doo–wop vibe around this cut with some falsetto.
Kudos to Verve/Universal Music Group for this excellent updated vinyl of Wild Is The Wind. The re-mastered sound (Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound) is vibrant. Simone’s deep soulful voice is captured with clarity and reverberatory detail. The hi-gloss gatefold packaging and protective inner sleeve (Chad Kassem/Acoustic Sounds) make this album a “must” for vinyl enthusiasts and jazz fans.
—Robbie Gerson
TrackList:
Side 1: I Love Your Lovin’ Ways; Four Women; What More Can I Say; Lilac Wine; That’s All I Ask; Break Down And Let it All Out
Side 2: Why Keep on Breaking My Heart; Wild Is The Wind; Black Is The Color Of My True Love’s Hair; If I Should Lose You; Either Way I Lose.
