Nina Simone – Verve // Remixed (Magenta Vinyl)

Nina Simone's Verve Remixed // Nina Simone brings Simone's recordings into the long-running Verve Remixed series, a project that began in 2002 when Verve invited contemporary DJs and producers to reinterpret classics from its catalogue. Here, that idea is focused entirely on Simone, with Solomun, Mochakk, DESIREE, Supershy, HAAi, dublon, Antdot and Austin Millz recasting her performances for today's club culture while keeping her voice and presence at the centre.

What makes this set appealing is the range of material chosen from across Simone's catalogue and how differently each producer approaches it. Familiar songs including See-Line Woman, Four Women and I Put a Spell on You are opened up through house, electronic and downtempo production, while tracks such as Take Care of Business, Work Song and a live Baltimore show how well Simone's phrasing and intensity can carry into a modern dance-floor setting. The emphasis is less on novelty than on hearing the strength of the original performances from a new angle.

Rather than a loose compilation, this single-LP edition gathers a complete run of recent Nina Simone remixes in one place. It works as both an introduction for newer listeners and a fresh perspective for anyone already drawn to Simone's unmistakable blend of jazz, soul and political edge.

Features

• Verve, Magenta Vinyl