To put it simply, a remix as we know it, is an alternative version of a song. The magic happens by adding, subtracting, speeding up, or slowing down any musical element of the master recording. Whether subtle or substantial, a remix is like a second chance or a new beginning.
Legacy Recordings has brilliantly embodied the concept of remixing with Billie Holiday: Remixed and Reimagined. The work of a legend is in many ways delicate. Tampering with it is a risk and in fact an honor. A risk that remixers and producers like Nickodemus, Madison Park, and Tony Humphries were not afraid to take as they creatively married a vintage sound with a contemporary feel.
Remixed and Reimagined will give old fans the opportunity to revisit Holiday’s hits and hopefully grab the attention of some of 21st century’s finest. This CD effortlessly unites opposites with hopes the of finally bringing together the jazz loving dad and his electronic obsessed daughter.
“Glad to Be Unhappy” remixed by DJ Logic is the perfect mix filled with lots of soul reminding me of a Chrisette Michelle track. This is one of many songs that force you to bop your head and uncontrollably sway your body to the poetic like rhythm. “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around” remixed by Mecca the Ladybug brings me back to a warm afternoon in New Orleans as I enjoyed a local jazz band playing their instruments down the street. Ladybug lends some versus to this remix, really giving it a modern twist.
Other than those listed in the previous paragraph, “He Ain’t Got Rhythm”, “I’m Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key)”, and “Pennies from Heaven” were among my favorites.
I am left applauding this newly reformed body of work. Billie Holiday is already a legend but this CD has made her golden.
If you need me, I will be at the nearest record store picking up this masterpiece along with some of Lady Day’s original work.
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Track Names
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I Hear Music (Swingsett & Takuya’s Mighty Fine Remix)
More Than You Know (Jazzeem’s Throwback Remix)
Spreadin’ Rhythm Around (Lady Bug vs. Lady Day RR Remix)
Long Gone Blues (GXR Remix)
Trav’lin’ All Alone (Nickodemus & Zeb Remix)
He Ain’t Got Rhythm (Poppyseed Remix)
Summertime (Organica Remix)
I’m Gonna Lock My Heart (And Throw Away the Key)
Glad to Be Unhappy (DJ Logic Remix)
Billie’s Blues (Daniel Y Remix)
You’re So Desirable (Sunday People Remix)
Pennies from Heaven (Count De Money Remix)
But Beautiful (Tony Humphries THP Remix)
All of Me (Charles Feelgood Remix)
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Artist: Album
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Billie Holiday: Billie Holiday Remixed & Reimagined
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Genre
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Electronica/Dance
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Web Links
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http://www.legacyrecordings.com
http://www.billie-holiday.net
http://www.myspace.com/billieholiday
