Blue Note classics “re-imagined” by UK’s breakthrough jazz artists in new compilation
In what has become one of the most highly anticipated compilations of 2020, Blue Note and Decca Records have just released a great new compilation, titled Blue Note Re:imagined, featuring many of the UK’s most breakthrough jazz artists re-working classic material from the Blue Note vaults.
Unlike some other typical tribute recordings, the artists have really done a brilliant job on this compilation in completely dissecting and breaking down components of a specific composition, and truly making it their own. For instance, Skinny Pelembe uses the foundation of Andrew Hill’s spiritual jazz masterpiece “Illusion”, and turns it into a funky cosmic groover with vocals, that really speaks to his own sound and voice. Same can be said for Emma-Jean Thackray using elements of both Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” and “Night Dreamer” to create a jazz-house dance gem primed for the dancefloor.
Other artists featured on the compilation include Shabaka Hutchings, Ezra Collective, Nubya Garcia, Mr Jukes, Steam Down, Yazmin Lacey, Poppy Ajudha, Jordan Rakei, Fieh, Ishmael Ensemble, Blue Lab Beats, Melt Yourself Down, Alfa Mist, and Jorja Smith. These artists explore all facets of the Blue Note era catalogue, from McCoy Tyner’s spiritual “Search for Peace” (beautifully re-worked by Ishmael Ensemble), and the many classic compositions by Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Hutcherson, and Joe Henderson to jazz-funk essentials by Eddie Henderson and Donald Byrd.
Prior to the release of the compilation, many of these tracks were first released over the past few months as limited-edition 7inch singles, which only continue to build the hype.
Even though the Blue Note material touched on this record includes many of the greatest jazz compositions every written, and isn’t in need of any “re-imagining”, however this impressive group of musicians have really been creative in taking the foundation of that music and making something completely new and original.
Various — ‘Blue Note Re:imagined’
(Blue Note Records / Decca Records)
- Jorja Smith – Rose Rouge (from St Germain Tourist, 2000)
- Ezra Collective – Footprints (from Wayne Shorter Adam’s Apple, 1966)
- Poppy Ajudha – Watermelon Man (Under The Sun) (from Herbie Hancock Takin’ Off, 1962)
- Jordan Rakei – Wind Parade (from Donald Byrd Places and Spaces, 1975)
- Skinny Pelembe – Illusion (Silly Apparition) (from Andrew Hill One for One, 1969)
- Alfa Mist – Galaxy (from Eddie Henderson Sunburst, 1975)
- Ishmael Ensemble – Search for Peace (from McCoy Tyner The Real McCoy, 1967)
- Nubya Garcia – A Shade of Jade (from Joe Henderson Mode for Joe, 1966)
- Steam Down feat. Afronaut Zu – Etcetera (from Wayne Shorter Etcetera, 1965)
- Blue Lab Beats – Montara (from Bobby Hutcherson Montara, 1975)
- Yazmin Lacey – I’ll Never Stop Loving You (from Dodo Greene My Hour of Need, 1962)
- Fieh – Armageddon (from Wayne Shorter Night Dreamer, 1964)
- Mr Jukes – Maiden Voyage (from Herbie Hancock Maiden Voyage, 1965)
- Shabaka Hutchings – Prints Tie (from Bobby Hutcherson San Francisco, 1970)
- Melt Yourself Down – Caribbean Fire Dance (from Joe Henderson Mode for Joe, 1966)
- Emma-Jean Thackray – Speak No Evil / Night Dreamer (from Wayne Shorter Speak No Evil & Night Dreamer, 1964)
