Various Artist – Blue Note Re:Imagined
Compilations can be just ok or great. Either way they are often convenient in putting together a collection of songs that tell a story. They usually are “best of” collections or songs from a period in time. The legendary jazz label Blue Note Records has opened their vaults in the past to allow artists to remix their catalog. I must say, Blue Note’s latest Re:Imagined is a forward thinking compilation where young British musicians literally reimagine classic Blue Note songs. There has been a jazz explosion in the U.K. in recent years and there seems to be no signs of it slowing down. Maybe it’s something in the water. Nevertheless, all this is great news because the music that these artists have been releasing is really pushing the boundaries in some beautiful and exciting ways. What I truly love about this compilation is it’s not your ordinary remix project. Instead, this eclectic bunch of artist, Alfa Mist, Nubya Garcia, Ezra Collective, Shabaka Hutchings, Blue Lab Beats, Jordan Rakei, Emma Jean Thackay, Poppy Ajudha, Jorja Smith, Yazmin Lacey Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective, Poppy Ajudha, Jordan Rakei, Skinny Pelembe, Alfa Mist, Ishmael Ensemble, Nubya Garcia, Steam Down Featuring Afronaut Zu, Blue Lab Beats, Yazmin Lacey, Fieh, Mr Jukes, Shabaka Hutchings, Melt Yourself Down and Emma-Jean Thackray really put their best foot forward and deliver some wonderful covers. Truly reimagined.
