Drawing us in with a captivating, brooding vocal and dramatic piano with cerebral trombone motifs, Konrad Kinard opens his re-imagining of the iconic song, I Put A Spell On You, with a unique energy, syncopated percussion and a cinematic allure. We appreciate the originality that manifests with this cover.
For some context, the song was originally written and recorded by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956. It became one of the most enduring and frequently reinterpreted songs in popular music. From Hawkins’ theatrical, visceral original to Nina Simone‘s soulful and emotionally sophisticated interpretation.
We learn that the story behind this version is almost as fascinating as the finished product. Konrad Kinard challenged himself to take the song from its traditional four-beat structure and transform it into seven beats per measure. There is an unsettling sense of movement throughout, as if the song is constantly shifting. The result is dark, sparse and deeply atmospheric. This is where Kinard’s jazz-industrial sensibilities really shine.
The trombone adds a film-noir vibe, whilst the percussion creates tension through the irregular patterns. The vocal performance remains central and delivers the familiar prose with an intensity that feels seductive and sinister. As Boston saxophonist Michael Caglianone aptly describes it, this has the “perfect amount of sexy/creepy”.
There is also a cinematic quality to the track. We could imagine this version soundtracking a psychological thriller such as The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Eyes Wide Shut or The Neon Demon. It would equally suit the unsettling atmosphere of a series like Twin Peaks, Hannibal or Penny Dreadful.
Konrad Kinard provides vocals, electronica. piano, gamelan, and arrangement, as Benji Arnold plays trombone; Teruki Chan performs percussion, and Buddy Greyhound, Esquire serves as Top Dog. The track was produced by Konrad Kinard for Incinerate Media, and mixed and mastered by Fredrik Kinbom at Madame Vega’s Boudoir, Berlin.
Needless to say, we are in awe. Konrad Kinard‘s re-imagining of I Put A Spell On You is available now on Bandcamp and YouTube.