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Dahlia Caplin and Jason Olaine, producers of the Verve Remixed project, give us another stellar selection of vocal classics laid over tracks by some of the most talented producers in the electronic music scene. Unlike many sequels, "Verve Remixed 2" does not disappoint. This second run features tunes by Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Willie Bobo and Nina Simone, all of whom were represented on the first Verve Remixed project.


"Verve Remixed 2" digs a bit deeper into the vaults and includes vocal tracks from Cal Tjader, Ramsey Lewis, Hugh Masekla and Oscar Brown, Jr.

Starting off strong with the Funky Lowlives lounged-down take on Dizzy's "Manteca", the CD dives into Gotan Project's dubbed out re-mash of Sarah Vaughan's "Whatever Lola Wants", complete with Gotan's trademark bandoneon to give it that Parisian flair, reminiscent of their 2000 classic "Triptico". Two Ella Fitzgerald tunes show up on the sophomore compilation. "Slap that Bass" gets doted on by San Francisco house music don, Miguel "Petalpusher" Migs, who expertly weaves Ms. Ella's incomparable vocal track into the depths of sexy house music, with a funked-up bass line and swirling synths, in true Naked Music form. Layo and Buschwacka!

snap up another Songtress Fitzgerald fave, "Angel Eyes", and take it on a celestial journey through the clouds. Cal Tjader's "Soul Sauce" is deliciously spiced by Fila Brazillia and is a perfect accompaniment to Dan the Automator's 100-degree-don't-leave-home-without-a-fan treatment of Willie Bobo's "Fried Neckbones and Some Homefries".

DJ Spinna spins "Naima's Love Song" into a syncopated rhythmic dancefloor masterpiece, Brooklyn meets West London style, while more dub business shows up with an Afro-beat twist on Hugh Masekla's "Mama", compliments of innovative duo Metro Area.

Though the purists may cringe at the thought of Archie Shepp's "Blues for Brother George Jackson" twisted into a progressive house track, the beauty of the "Verve Remixed" project is that it opens the door for a new audience to appreciate the classic sounds that influence many of today's dance music artists and producers. Viva Verve!