Relaunch of a Vintage Compilation: The Verve Remixed (2002)
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In 2002, an immersive musical experience titled “Verve Remixed” was first brought forward by an American record label named Verve Records, owned by Universal Music Group. This recording label with its roots back in 1956, has given the world eclectic music ranging from likes of Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall, from Jon Batiste to Frank Zappa, and many more, creating a vibrant niche in the world of Jazz music.
It was a revolutionary concept where classic pieces by iconic artists such as Nina Simone and Billie Holiday were revisited and reinvented by modern producers and DJs. The charm of these timeless tracks received a refreshing twist from those at the helm of the contemporary music scene, recasting a spell on the new and veteran music lovers alike.
The “Verve Remixed” not only resurrected deep-rooted Jazz tracks from the label’s massive catalog but also catalyzed a fusion of Jazz and electronic music, a trend that soon caught up and flourished in the international music scenes. This unique musical extravaganza recently came back on vinyl, assuring a nostalgic experience after a gap of 20 years, setting renowned tracks into motion with a renewed form.
Having an illustrious history, Verve Records has been a creative sanctuary for a myriad of artists, reflecting its diverse selection of music styles, far beyond jazz. The discography spans across various genres, including albums from dexterous artists like Velvet Underground and Kurt Vile. This mélange of music, combined with their Jazz legacy, makes Verve Records a unique variant in the world of music.
Consequently, the new vinyl edition of “Verve Remixed” enables the listeners to relive the magic that emerged when notable remixing experts, such as Master’s at Work, crossed paths with glorious stars of the Jazz world. This symbiotic fusion elevated the classical Jazz pieces, interpreting them through the lens of contemporary electronic music and gave birth to a refined blend of tuneful delight.
The label under Norman Granz initially became a platform for releasing new recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, branching out eventually to include musical maestros like Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Ben Webster. Despite many upheavals and changes over the years, Verve continued to envelop more artists under its umbrella, leading to a dynamic fusion of old and new, Jazz, and much more.
Besides its charming concoction of the past and present, one monumental aspect of the “Verve Remixed” series is its diversification strategy. Each volume of the anthology comes with a twin album, “Verve Unmixed,” containing all the original tracks in their raw form. Additionally, for ardent fans, a deluxe box set has been launched named “The Complete Verve Remixed Deluxe Box,” supplemented with a bonus album, “Verve Remixed Plus.”
The 2002 masterpiece “Verve Remixed” is an epitome of music evolution, coalescing a rich past with an exciting future. With an innovative weaving of classic and electrifying modern rhythms, this trailblazing compilation is an instance of remarkable musical journeys and timeless magic happening at Verve Records. The revival of this musical artifact guarantees to enthral the listeners, from Nina Simone aficionados to electronic music enthusiasts, and everyone in between.
Track List :
“Spanish Grease (Dorfmeister Con Madrid de los Austrias Muga Reserva Remix)” Willie Bobo
“How Long Has This Been Going On? (MJ Cole Remix)” Carmen McRae
“Who Needs Forever? (Thievery Corporation Remix)” Astrud Gilberto
“Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby? (Rae & Christian Remix)” Dinah Washington
“Feelin’ Good (Joe Claussell Remix)” Nina Simone
“Return to Paradise (Mark De Clive-Lowe Remix)” Shirley Horn
“Wait Till You See Him (De-Phazz Remix)” Ella Fitzgerald
“Don’t Explain (Dzihan & Kamien Remix)” Billie Holiday
“See-Line Woman (Masters at Work Remix)” Nina Simone
“Summertime (UFO Remix)” Sarah Vaughan
“Strange Fruit (Tricky Remix)” Billie Holiday
“Hare Krishna (King Britt Funke Mix)” Tony Scott
Learn more about Verve Records