(November 13, 2017) She’s been known as the “Queen of Soul” for decades, and her recordings from the 1960s and 70s are now considered classics, the kind of recordings that other artists re-record at their peril.
But what if Aretha Franklin music was meticulously re-recorded with a new backdrop to her classic vocals? That was the idea that UK producers Nick Patrick and Don Reedman had when they decided to enlist the London Philharmonic Orchestra and craft entirely new arrangements to reissue new, more symphonic versions of many of Aretha’s greatest songs, with her seminal original vocal performances maintained. The result is A Brand New Me, a new release that has created quite a buzz.
(November 13, 2017) She’s been known as the “Queen of Soul” for decades, and her recordings from the 1960s and 70s are now considered classics, the kind of recordings that other artists re-record at their peril.
But what if Aretha Franklin music was meticulously re-recorded with a new backdrop to her classic vocals? That was the idea that UK producers Nick Patrick and Don Reedman had when they decided to enlist the London Philharmonic Orchestra and craft entirely new arrangements to reissue new, more symphonic versions of many of Aretha’s greatest songs, with her seminal original vocal performances maintained. The result is A Brand New Me, a new release that has created quite a buzz.
The album is surprisingly refreshing, and some of the songs from back in the day sound incredibly different with the new clothes. One that particularly struck us is 1970’s “Border Song,” a cover of the big Elton John/Bernie Taupin song that originally had a lot of church, but which now takes on a bigger, more dramatic feel. It works great, and is something to check out.
“Border Song” is our newest SoulTracks First Listen. Check it out, and hear Aretha in a new light.
By Chris Rizik
Aretha Franklin – “Border Song”