Red is The Color

A 17th century sailor is abandoned at sea by his shipmates, enduring both his lingering death sentence and the advances of a cruel and amorous mermaid. A delicately drawn, lyrical and darkly romantic debut graphic novella.

Who is Katie Cruel? A real person? The pseudonym of an artist? Neither one. This is the title of a folk song from the last century, which came to America via Scotland during the period of the Civil War. It deals with a mysterious woman whose social behavior did not necessarily coincide with social norms. However, that is precisely the reason why it is unique and difficult to define. The musical liaison between the American guitarist Geoff Goodman and the Albanian singer Fjoralba Turku is also called "Katie Cruel” now. As a result, fruitful and successful collaboration of many years has finally found an appropriate name. Not like those jazz bands who call themselves after the initiator of the respective project and then add a conservative term such as "Quartet", "Trio" or "Duo" behind it. Or those who want to appear smart, trendy and modern and give their ensemble a peppy, garnish name. No, simply Katie Cruel.

Nina Simone recorded the title track, originally popularized by Johnny Mathis, twice: it appears on her 1959 live album and again on this 1966 release. David Bowie's mid-1970s cover version was inspired by the rendition on this album and was recorded after Bowie met Simone. Also includes one of Simone's signature tunes, the stereotype-fighting Four Women, her only original number on this album. An anthem for the Civil Rights movement, the single was banned upon release by a New York jazz radio station due to what was considered controversial lyrical content at the time.