The first of the several posthumous releases authorized by Kate Wolf's estate, 1986's THE WIND BLOWS WILD mixes studio, radio, and concert recordings in a slightly scattershot but nonetheless compelling program of previously unreleased gems. While not entirely above sentimentality--the title track was recorded in Wolf's hospital room as she was dying of leukemia--the selection is strong, showing several of the best facets of Wolf's varied style, from the simple perfection of "Old Jerome" to the swooning, Emmylou Harris-like "Statues Made of Clay".
Astutely chosen and sequenced by Wolf's longtime musical partner Nina Gerber, as are most of the posthumous releases, these 10 1979-86 songs almost work on their own merits as a cohesive album, despite the widely varying settings, arrangements, and occasionally sound quality. THE WIND BLOWS WILD is a touching monument to a remarkable performer.|
Rovi