Artist:
Kick Bong/Kaya Project
Title:
Re-Mixes
Released:
21st January 2019
It’s
no secret that I’m a massive fan of the Kaya Project, over the
years I’ve found with many artists by the time they reach their
third album quite often they change in a direction that differs from
my own or they stagnate with a sound I’ve tired of. The Kaya
Project are not only an exception to the rule, but to use an
expression of a beverage that doesn’t appeal to me ‘like a fine
they’ve improved with age’. Admittedly you could say they’ve
milked the re-mixes, but then with so many contributing artists they
have a living to make. However, the selection of re-mixers onboard
have always produced quality versions that work for the dancefloor
dj’s. One of these re-mixers Kick Bong a multi-instrumentalist and
percussionist in his own right has himself featured in this blog over
the years and is a welcome inclusion.
Moving
on to the release itself it’s a single featuring a Kaya Project
re-mix of Kick Bong’s ‘This Charming Violin’ and Kick Bong
re-mixes of the Kaya Project’s ‘Taki Ura Matts’ and ‘Katarino’.
So tackling them in order The original ‘This Charming Violin’
already held somewhat of a melacholic gypsy feel with a psy-chill
underbelly. The Kaya Project re-mix intensifies the gypsy elements
and adds plenty of alluring vocal harmonies to the piece.
The
original version of ‘Taki Ura Matts’ from the ‘Up from the
Dust’ album was a groovy piece of world music with flutes, violins
and vocals that drew on Arabic and Klezmer flavours. Kick Bong’s
take elongates the intro, utilising the flute licks and strings in a
teasing fashion for those who are familiar with the original offering
an interesting and alternative version of a similar pace.
The
original version of ‘Katarino’ from the Firedance album was a
pleasant piece of arabic fused chillout, that featured the amazing
vocal talent of Irina Mikhailova. Kick Bongs take brings in the
melodic sound of the hang drum and some melodic synths, that
complement Irina’s vocals perfectly and accomplishes an even more
chilled atmosphere.
To
summarise those who have already brought the recent Kaya Project
re-mixes will already have tracks two and three, so may just plug for
listening to track one. While those unfamiliar it’s a great intro
into their sound which deserves you delving deeper.
Review
by Woodzee
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