•
Rating: How can we dust off forgotten classics and make them known to younger generations? The answer is simple: by calling on the best producers in today's electronic scene and remixing them. This is the brilliant idea that Verve, the historic jazz label, had when it released the first volume of "Verve Remixed" in 2002. In this collection, historic tracks by great artists such as Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, and Astrud Gilberto were reinterpreted by leading names like Richard Dorfmeister, Thievery Corporation, and Masters At Work, resulting in a guaranteed sales success.
A year later, the second volume of the "Verve Remixed" saga was released, and once again, an excellent result was achieved. The problem with most compilations is the generally inconsistent quality of the various tracks, something that doesn't happen in "Verve Remixed 2," where we have only high-quality material. The two singles are certainly memorable, namely the super-funky remix of Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca" by Funky Lowlives and the techno-house update of the beautiful "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone by the legendary Felix The Housecat. Also worthy of mention is the fast and crazy reinterpretation by the Japanese group Mondo Grosso of "Blues For Brother George Jackson" by the legendary Archie Shepp, the magnificent "Naima's Love Song" by Betty Carter in the brilliant version by DJ Spinna, and the acid-jazz by Koop that creates a perfect backdrop for Astrud Gilberto and the melancholic "Here's That Rainy Day."
Like its predecessor, this album also comes with an "Unmixed" twin, containing the tracks in their original versions. What more can be said other than to recommend the purchase of "Verve Remixed 2," an excellent compilation that has the great merit of dusting off forgotten gems from the past and making them accessible to everyone. Certainly no small feat, and proof of how past gems can always shine, even today.
Tracklist
Loading comments slowly
