Wind Blows Wild

This first posthumous release of Wolf's material was compiled and produced by the singer/songwriter's longtime collaborator and friend, Nina Gerber. Best known for the title track, which Wolf composed and recorded partially in a hospital room during her final days, The Wind Blows Wild consists mainly of unreleased studio tracks, as well as selections culled from radio and concert performances. Some of the songs feel less polished than her previous work, but what could be perceived as flaws turn out to be an unexpected gift. It's the rawness of these tracks that give a better sense of Wolf's warm inflection and Gerber's instinctive accompaniment. --Alexandra Russell