OK. Evidently by “tomorrow” I meant “96 hours later,” but I wanted to let B’s nice Redbone post have some time and I just got this up slower than I anticipated.
As I mentioned in the last Nicole Willis post there is a remix album of Willis’s Keep Reachin’ Up album with the Soul Investigators coming out soon. I am afraid I don’t know if this Natural Self remix of “Feeling Free” is going to make that album, but I really dig it. Actually I’ve been digging Natural Self’s production without reservation for some time now, and he certainly deserves a post of his own soon. Self’s remix is in the same vein as the Mr. Scruff Remix from last post: dancefloor oriented with some great added elements (more elegant bassline madness) and keeping the basic outline and vocals.
Feeling Free (Natural Self Remix) – Nicole Willis and The Soul Investigators
from the 12″ on Above The Clouds Records (2006)
Promise – The Repercussions
from the 12″ on Mo’ Wax (1992).
Like a lot of (obsessive) folks the greatness of Keep Reachin’ Up has had me Still Diggin’ Down into bins looking for other Nicole Willis output. She’s had a remarkably long career delivering her soulful vocals in various settings for over two decades now. One part of her history that I’ve really developed an affinity for is her early to mid-90s work with the NYC-based, soul & hip hop group Repercussions. Up today is their track “Promise” which would sit lovely next to the Natural Self remix if there were club nights that played stuff like this any more. It has to be mentioned that this is the first ever release on the ultra-important Mo’ Wax label also, so it is kind of neat (and nerdy) for the completists alone. Lots more information at her website.
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And another stupendous track.
Nicole Willis also cooperated with the guys from Leftfield on the track "Swords", available on 'Go: Music from The Motion Picture'.
It's a slow and triphoppy track with Nicole singing through what seems to be an old phone…
If you're interested I can share it with y'all. Let me know.
BG
Another wicked tune.
Fantastic!! Wicked tune.
BG, i have that Go soundtrack also and the Nicole Willis track is my favorite on there. Other than her "Soul Makeover" album I've really been amazed by most of Nicole Willis's work. That album isn't bad, but it pales in comparison to her other output.
Wow, thanks so much for this posting. I have dug this NW&TSI's album so badly it hurts sometimes and I've been haaaaanging for some news on wether or not there'll be another release. I'd heard of this Mowax release but had had zero luck getting hold of it – once again you've come through for us!!
That Reperussions LP "Earth And Heaven" is
the shit…
One of the most overlooked contributions to the 90's nu-soul/acid jazz genre' that I can think of…
My fave track is "Slice Of Heaven"…
Thanks for the 12" version and if you've got more remixes, please post them?
Love your blog!
http://ettastrange.wordpress.com/
Holy crizzap BG! I've loved that Leftfield track for years and never made the connection before. I need to properly check those sleevenotes.
I'm a big Mo'Wax head too, but didn't connect Nicole to that either. Dur. Maybe I should try and check the LP. Never knew cos it wasn't on MW.