Words by Justin Turford
We’ve been waiting (im)patiently for this one and been shouting about DJ Amir’s ongoing relationship and guardianship of the incredible Strata Records catalogue before and the brilliant job he’s been doing bringing the little known label from Detroit to a wider audience. With his own 180 Proof imprint partnered up with BBE, he has released a multitude of the revolutionary label’s catalogue of raw soul, and jazz plus a handpicked compilation that was a standout last year. We have, however, heard murmurings of a bigger project that has been a buzz in the ear of those who know what it could mean. He has already done a few remix releases from the original tapes but finally, we are hitting the big one. The legendary Berlin-based production outfit that is Jazzanova have been given the enviable task of reworking and reimagining tracks from the motherlode (backed by a successful Kickstarter campaign) and here, my loves, is the first single package. This is not a remix.
The original song ‘Creative Musicians’ is a raw, funky organ led groove by the brilliant The Lyman Woodard Organisation with an uplifting positive plea to musicians to not despair and ‘keep it rolling right along’. Jazzanova have reimagined the song as a mellow afrobeat groove (think Kokoroko) with tight horns, bubbling bass and a laid-back vocal from Sean Haefeli and it has everything we expect from Jazzanova - warmth, funk and a huge organic sound. There’s more. Amir brought his old friend and Detroit producer/DJ phenomenon Waajeed and the mighty Henrik Schwarz along to remix the rework and blimey, they deliver the goods! Waajeed gives us a tough four-to-the-floor mix that is pure Detroit Soul, sounding like a live jazz band playing techno while Henrik Schwarz (who is no stranger to Afro-tinged remixes) brings his instantly recognisable filtered funk signature to the party with disco claps and strings to create a sunshine blaster that will force those hips to swing. A superb package, go get it. 9/10