Wild Is The Wind/High Priestess Of Soul

2 LPs on 1 CD: WILD IS THE WIND (1966)/HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL (1967).

Includes liner notes by Joel E. Siegel.

WILD IS THE WIND/HIGH PRIESTESS OF SOUL brings together Nina Simone's last two releases for the Philips label. 1966's WIND, comprising tracks that hadn't made it onto her four Philips albums, showcases Simone's uniquely eclectic tastes. This material is all over the stylistic map. The album's high points include a spectacular and unforgettable drunken rendition of "Lilac Wine," a haunting version of the title song, and Simone's landmark recording of "Four Women," a song that bitterly addresses racism through the fates of four very different women united by their color.

Although 1967's SOUL is laden with the late-'60s pop feel of Hal Moony's orchestral arrangements, the album still contains some wonderful tracks. "Keeper of the Flame" is a beautiful soft tango featuring Simone's achingly passionate vocals. The original "Come Ye" is presented in a sparse, absolutely gorgeous African-flavored voice-and-percussion arrangement. SOUL's centerpiece, a gospel version of the traditional "Take Me to the Water," segues into the rousing climax of "I'm Going Back Home." The album ends powerfully with "I Love My Baby," a simmering, gospel-flavored slow-blues tune penned by Andy Stroud, then Simone's husband.