Music Review: Havana Cultura: The Remixes by Gilles Peterson & Friends
Less than a year since releasing Havana Cultura: New Cuba Sounds, Gilles Peterson returns this summer with a remixed version of his latest musical excursion which has seen him join forces with prodigious pianist Roberto Fonseca and some of the island’s fresh, young talent. And what a gorgeous collection ‘Havana Cultura: Remixed’ is, with its healthy representation of Cuban Son offshoots such as reggaeton and Latin-flavoured house.
Recruiting the aid of heavyweights and veterans such as Carl Cox, MJ Cole and Louie Vega, Peterson couldn’t really go wrong with this album. Listening to it makes you wish the summer would never end; or better still, to hit Cuban shores at the nearest opportunity. And the term ‘remix’ is not taken lightly by the contributors. Leaving no room for complacent, lazy production, new sonic entities have been birthed from the originals. Skinner’s Owiney Sigoma Mix of rap duo Ogguere’s La Revolucion del Cuerpo for instance, takes the vague menace of its predecessor and raises it a few notches, the bassline rumbling away like the thunder of an impending storm. The result is a highly atmospheric as well as irresistibly groove-worthy tune. Nonetheless some mixes, although listenable, don’t actually improve on the prototype; the various versions of Chekere Son come to mind. Michel Cleis’ take on Rezando borders on boring.
The most successful remixes simply capture and enhance the undeniable funk of the original, evolving into an even more glorious listening experience. The Edgaro el Productor en Jefe Tropicalia Remix of Mami, the album opener, is a prime example. So also is Vega’s EOL mix of Roforofo Fight, which adds a delicious new chord progression whilst remaining true to- even celebrating- the fantastic horn section and infectious refrain. Nearly 10 minutes long compared to the original’s already lengthy six, the urge to dance throughout makes this epic soulful house number fly by.
Another highlight is 4Hero’s transformation of Gilles & Co’s cover of J Dilla and Dwele’s Think Twice; truly an instance of the new overtaking the old. Lead vocalists Carina and Danay bring a feminine finesse to proceedings that lends a sincerity to the lyrics missing from Dwele’s vocal. Plus the instrumentation and vocal arrangements on this interpretation are so very lush, emphasised by the track being split into three sublime movements; a joy to listen to.
With the lovely weather the Capital has been experiencing and albums like Havana Cultura: Remixed making for the ideal soundtrack, saying goodbye to summer 2010 will be very tough indeed.
