Recorded in 1982, not long after she moved to Paris, Fodder On My Wings was one of Nina Simone’s favorite albums. In addition to having written the music and lyrics for all but one of the album’s 13 songs, the back cover proudly states that she “arranged, conducted and conceived” all of them. Originally recorded for a small French label and only sporadically available since its initial release, Fodder On My Wings is a lesser-known but important part of Nina’s musical history. The album contains deeply personal songs, including “I Sing Just To Know That I’m Alive” and “I Was Just A Stupid Dog To Them”, as well as a searing lyrical improvisation about the death of her father on “Alone Again, Naturally.” Recorded at a time when Nina was feeling rejuvenated by her surroundings and the African musicians she met in Paris, Fodder On My Wings is an essential Nina Simone album that is making a long-overdue reappearance.