#21. Hector Plimmer - Sunshine Remixed (Albert's Favorites)
Hector Plimmer's smart and spellbinding debut album 'Sunshine' was one of the great discoveries of 2017. It's a graceful and eclectic blend of slow beats, jazz, dance and electronic sounds. People who actually know what they're talking about like Giles Peterson and Jamie Cullum drooled over it.
And so, this year, we have 'Sunshine Remixed which I approach with trepidation as I can't bear to witness the work that an artist has struggled and sweated over being buried under a deejay's reinterpretations.
But, for second time this year (see also Cool Maritime), I'm going to be proved wrong.
Of the three versions of the title track on offer here, it's the shuffling funk rework by Reginald Omas Mamode IV that opens the set that astounds. It feels like tiny snippets of Superstition have been sprinkled around And Is Phi's sensual vocals.
Better still is tabla/percussionist Sarathy Korwar's hypnotic remoulding of 'Shiver' the original album closer. It's like watching a favourite TV play be faithfully reinterpreted for widescreen cinema. It succeeds by knowing just when to add additional textures.
Another track that feels like it has been elevated to a higher plain, is 'Bossa B.' Deoke's deliriously rhythmic remix turns up the bass, whilst Glenn Astro drags it onto the dancefloor and finally, Soothsayers and Wu Lu join Plimmer on stage to create a jazz workout.
'Sunshine Remixed' is delight, it compliments and explores the possibilities of its parent album. That is a rare achievement.
