Search - Various Artists :: Verve Unmixed 2

Verve Unmixed - the Sequel.

The Groove | Boston, MA | 09/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Verve Unmixed 2" is the companion CD to "Verve Remixed 2," in which a handful of dance DJs successfully revamp several jazz classics. Here, each track appears in its pure original version, giving the listener a tour through some of the genre's most respected artists. The album kicks off with the infectious bite of Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca," which sets the tone for the rest of the album. Ella Fitzgerald's "Slap That Bass" and Ramsey Lewis' "Do You Wanna" stand out pretty well, while Cal Tjader's stunning "Soul Sauce (Guachi Guaro)" is a timeless fusion of traditional jazz and Latin flavor. Another winner is the beautifully piano-laced "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair," which features Nina Simone's voice in all its aching glory. There isn't much more for me to say, as the music really speaks for itself. If you already have "Verve Remixed 2," it would be foolish to pass on this release which not only has the original versions but also one of the most impressive tracklistings I've seen on any compilation."

The price is right

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 02/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Why can't more CD's be priced like this fine offering from the Verve vaults?
For the cost of a couple of gallons of gasoline this music will take you further and you'll get plenty of mileage out of these classics. Beginning with the Carnegie Hall live recording by Dizzy Gillespie of "Manteca" in 1961, this disc will either take you down memory lane or set you on a new path of jazz discovery. Jazz means many different things to many different people, often discredited as being too cerebral or just plain high music, jazz often gets a bad rap. There is no clear definition because like many other genres there are many sub categories. Within the broad context of jazz this disc is diversified . Several great songbirds are featured including the marvelous, so nice the used here twice, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald(two songs too), Betty Carter and Astrud Gilerto. Unlike the remixed versions featured on "Verve/Remixed 2," the complete songs display the full spectrum and range of depth of some these artists. For example, Nina Simone's vocals on "Sinnerman"show the gospell influenced style more clearly than on the remixed version and her piano skills are demonstrated along with her jazz interaction with other instrumentalists. It is a thing of beauty. The live version of "Brother , Where Are You"? by Oscar Brown Jr. has the passion of the Civil Rights movement, a slow swagerring, gritty song that builds momentum as the audience claps along joining the artist in unison in approval of his message. "Blues For Brother George Jackson"(check your history) fits the mold of what most non jazz people think of as jazz with it's multiple horns led by Archie Shepp with yet another Civil Rights era song. I would be remiss without mentioning the exceptional Latin influenced songs by Cal Tjader and Willie Bobo entitled "Soul Sauce" and "Fried Neck Bones and Some Home Fries" respectively. These two songs alone are worth the price of admission. It is worth comaparing the versions to the remixed versions to fully appreciate both the originals and the great job with the new interpretations. Recommended as is but even more so as a companion to the remixed versions. A super compilation for traditional jazz fans or those interested in the roots of "Verve Remixed /2.""

More classics

Enrique Torres | 09/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This follow-up disc is every bit a great as the first. Do not let the low price scare you into thinking it's something less than high quality. A must have disc...fans and those unfamiliar with the Verve label will both enjoy that this music is BACK!!!!"