Remixed & Reimagined
Remixed & Re-Imagined
Nina Simone s sole U.S. pop hit, "I Loves You, Porgy," was released in 1959; too black for American white audiences, she found more favor abroad. In Britain, for example, she placed five singles in the charts and had six hits; "I Put a Spell on You" charted twice. Back in the States in more recent times, the electro scene began delving ever deeper into funk and soul and with that Simone s fabulous music finally began finding appreciation with a whole new generation of fans. To that end, RCA is remastering and re-releasing her back catalog, originally issued on the label between 1967 and 1974. To further fire up interest, the label has let a slew of DJs and producers loose on the late star's songs, resulting in Remixed & Reimagined Simone for the dance-crazed generation. Groovefinder s "Ain't Go No/I Got Life" is the obvious point of entry, a sensational Stax flavored remix that's already a U.K. hit. Daniel Y. s remix boasts just a touch of Stax as well, but aimed at a far more sophisticated palette. In contrast, Jazzeem turns up the funk while creating a decidedly exotic flavor to his remix, while Tony Humphries takes funk straight into house Madison Park and Lenny B. opt for brightness and lightness, house at its most effervescent; François K paints his house in pastels, creating a gently coursing, almost trance remix; and Mowo works in a darker mode that pushes his house styling into the vast aural atmospheres of dub Chris Coco builds his house old-school style, with a four-on-the-floor beat and a cathedral organ that takes Simone herself straight back to church. Once there, she and DJ Logic confront the "Obeah Woman," with a remix that eloquently emphasizes the singer's gospel influences. Nickodemus floats his remix heavenward on swaths of instrumental strings and a rippling harp, exquisitely enhancing the lyrics and Simone s hope for the future. In contrast, Organica s remix swirls with dark, ominous clouds, sending Simone sailing across a psychedelic laced "Westwind." But, unsurprisingly, it's Coldcut who offer the most adventurous track, taking their scissors to "Save Me" and creating a pulsing, effects-drenched classic. Then again, every remix here is inspired, re-creating Simone s music in ways that could barely be envisioned. The set's Reimagined title couldn't be more accurate, and this tribute to the late great singer could hardly be better. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide Buy at iTunes
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Credits »
Nina Simone - Arranger
Coldcut - Producer
Coldcut - Remixing
Weldon Irvine - Arranger
Jimmy Wisner - Arranger
Jack Robinson - Cover Photo
Steven Berkowitz - A&R
Eric Kupper - Programming
Horace Ott - Arranger
Joe Rene - Producer
Nat Shapiro - Producer
Harold Wheeler - Arranger
Harold Wheeler - Producer
Kirk Yano - Mixing
François K - Producer
François K - Remixing
Tony Humphries - Remixing
Sammy Lowe - Arranger
Sandra Monteparo - Art Direction
Lenny Bertoldo - Producer
Lenny Bertoldo - Remixing
Scott Schlachter - Producer
Scott Schlachter - Executive Producer
Scott Schlachter - Remixing
DJ Logic - Effects
DJ Logic - Beat Programming
Mocean Worker - Remixing
James Cruz - Mastering
Chris Coco - Producer
Chris Coco - Remixing
Louis Benedetti - Drum Programming
Alan Mawdsley - Mixing
James Cool - Producer
James Cool - Remixing
Richard Kayvan - Mixdown Engineer
Jessica Lizzio - Project Coordinator
Larry Legend - Engineer
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