Introducing a raw and rather audacious take on a classic Nina Simone hit, Texas-born artist and experimental performer Konrad Kinard brings a twist of neo-jazz and Americana, to the instantly recognisable I Put A Spell On You.
From the image to the vocal nuance and soundscape, Konrad Kinard’s I Put A Spell On You is something of an unsettling and mysterious alternative version of one of the most covered songs of the past fifty years.
With softly sung vocals of depth and rasp delivered from beneath the peak of his distinct hat, the performance features subtle twists of accompanying trombone, from Benji Arnold, and percussion from Teruki Chan, and maintains its sense of mystery and playful, dark charm throughout a stripped-back but striking set-up.
In terms of the title and subject matter, this rather haunting portrayal actually seems perfectly suited to present the implications of I Put A Spell On You. Konrad and the band captivate from the outset, and hold tightly to this quiet and compelling confidence that is both eerie and engaging, as the song somewhat freely meanders towards its end. The melody is grounded and structured, the trombone and percussion, however, feel a little more impassioned and unconfined, perhaps unpredictable, and the visuals cleverly reinforce this dynamic – Konrad calm and unconcerned, Benji and Teruki mildly more comical and uncontained.
It works well, and as a result, I Put A Spell On You is perhaps one of the most memorable releases from Konrad Kinard yet.
Out September 18th. Find Konrad Kinard on Instagram, Facebook & his Website.
