Nina Simone was a singular artist, and she went where she pleased, leaving behind a recorded legacy that is passionate, political, defiant, and delicate by turns, no matter what strain of folk, blues, jazz, or gospel she was dipping into, and she did it all with dignity, grace, and intelligence…
In 1999, the Ventures celebrated their 40th anniversary in music by recording and releasing V-Gold. According to the liner notes, each track was recorded using the same personnel as the original recording, with one notable exception. Drummer Mel Taylor had passed away and was replaced on this recording, as well as future recordings and tours, by his son Leon…