Carl Sandburg Visits Me In A Dream

I’ve have always been a fan of the Verve Remixed series; what a genius idea to combine wonderful jazz and bossa nova standards with the wit and reinterpretations of today’s modern remixers.  What is remarkable about Verve Remixed: Volume 4 is that it is not only vastly different than the previous 3 volumes, but that each remix has its own unique flair and twist.

The Psapp remix of Astrud Gilberto’s “Bim Bom” infuses the original with the childish wonder of Psapp’s quirky instruments, while 9th Wonder makes Roy Ayers’ classic “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” an even more laid-back slow jam with a heavier bass beat.  Willie Bobo’s “Evil Ways” is completely funkified by Karriem Riggins, complementing the bombast of Chris Shaw’s remix of Sarah Vaughan’s “Tea for Two”.  Mocky does his best job of taking Anita O’Day’s “Tenderly” and churning it into a lounge classic.  There are only a few hiccups on this album, and the worst being the remix of Marlena Shaw’s already amazing “California Soul”.  I didn’t realize that song could be ruined until I heard Diplo’s remix–sheer drivel.  But the best remix by far has to be Mike Mangini’s Remix of Nina Simone’s “Gimme Some”.  What a wonderful, happy-go-lucky ditty, and I’m sure Simone would approve.

Grab a copy of Verve Remixed: Volume 4

Listen to “Gimme Some (Mike Mangini Remix)” (5/5)

Listen to “Bim Bom (Psapp Remix)” (4.7/5)