This new commercial for the newest HTC smartphone gets my attention everytime. You know the one, the one that says: “You don’t need to get a phone. You need a phone that gets you. And you. And you. And you”. I’ll admint that HTC phone looks pretty slick, but its the song playing in the background that has my heart. That tune, that probably has  your attention too, is Nina Simone’s 1965 version of the American traditional song Sinnerman, with Felix da Housecat’s remxing touch.

Download: Nina Simone – Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat’s Heavenly House Mix)

Verve Remixed (2002)

This now classic update was put together by Felix da Housecat for the first of a now 4 cd series Verve Remixed. Modern dj’s and producers mix up classic tunes from the Verve Records catalog equals really good stuff! Check out my post on the full Verve Remixed cd series.

Verve Records is a long standing record label with its origins dating back to 1956 when Norman Granz amalgamated Norgran Records and Clef Records. The label was host to many of the great artists in Jazz & Blues including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone. Now, as a part of Universal, Verve Records has invited talented producers and musicians to revitalize its catalog by remixing their classic tracks and re-releasing them as a series of albums called The Verve Remixed. Volume 4 was released last May. To celebrate this union of the old with the new, I offer you my favorite track from each of the albums in The Verve Remixed collection.

See-Line Woman (Masters At Work Remix) – Nina Simone

Verve Remixed (2002)

Nina Simone had a long and diverse career releasing 37 albums over 35 years (1958 – 1993). She was also a powerful figure in the Civil rights movement, having one of her protest songs, Mississippi Goddam, boycotted in some states during the 1960’s. This version of See-Line Woman remixed by Masters At Work is often heard in the coolest of cafes and lounges. The extended 10 minute version gives the listener a glimpse of the lonely life of a skilled lady of the night with beautiful piano, rhythmic clapping, a knowing flute and Simone’s haunting voice.

Sinnerman (Felix Da Housecat’s Heavenly House Mix) – Nina Simone

Verve Remixed 2 (2003)

Another Nina Simone remix, I couldn’t resist. There are many remixes of Nina Simone out there, including a full CD in the Remixed & Reimagined series. It is common to hear this version of Sinnerman remixed by Felix Da Housecat in the hip hang out joints as well. The song lends itself both to chillin’ and to dancing with its down tempo beat. The traditional American gospel song has come along way since its grass roots origins believed to be in the early 1900’s.

Fever (Adam Freeland Remix) – Sarah Vaughan

Verve Remixed 3 (2005)

The classic track Fever by Sarah Vaughan is made even sexier by Adam Freeland’s touch. Devilishly combining Sarah Vaughan’s sultry voice with an updated tempo, Freeland masterfully brings this old tune new life, while keeping a classic feel with horns and a full dance hall sound.

California Soul (Diplo Remix) – Marlena Shaw

Verve Remixed 4 (2008)

Diplo revitalized Marlena Shaw’s 1969 version of California Soul, giving it a powerful, almost inspirational quality that makes you hold your head up high as you get that “nothing can touch me” feeling. Marlena Shaw, despite changing her last name from Burgess (I’m proud to be a Burge!) to Shaw, has enjoyed a long career, releasing 14 albums on 6 labels over 30 years (1967 – 1997). She continues to perform today! Diplo has been gaining popularity since he started doing remixes in 2005 for the likes of Kanye West, Hot Chip and Bloc Party.