One of my absolute favorite artists is Nick Drake. His songs carry a fragile magic all their own, and it is exactly this magic that the French guitarist Misja Fitzgerald Michel dedicated an entire album to in 2012: Time Of No Reply. A tribute album where several Drake classics are reinterpreted.

One of the highlights is Pink Moon, the title track of Drake’s final album from 1972. That record is often considered one of the most minimal folk albums ever made. Almost nothing but voice and acoustic guitar, recorded in two short sessions in October 1971.

For this version, Michel invited the remarkable Meshell Ndegeocello. The American bassist and singer is one of the most interesting figures between soul, jazz, and funk, and has worked with artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan, and Herbie Hancock during her career.

A wonderful example of how to cover Nick Drake: respectful, minimal, yet with a new color. Exactly how covers should be done. Pure CoverLove.