Her debut single Blackbird caused quite the stir. Now the hotly tipped US vocalist brings us ‘Beware The Stranger’, released on Foundation Music. The track is lifted from her much-anticipated debut album ‘Black Acid Soul’ and it isn’t hard to see the influences on which she reflects, like Billie Holiday and Gladys Knight. Real name Marley Munroe, Lady Blackbird is blessed with a bold, unmistakeable voice that is misting out across the global jazz scene.
On ‘Beware The Stranger’, she takes a huge London dance floor fave from the days of Rare Groove, spinning it around and flipping it on its head. The 70s original, ’ Wanted Dead Or Alive’ was performed back then by The Krystal Generation and made popular by soul ensemble The Voices Of East Harlem, whose classic rare groove version was produced by Leroy Hutson and Curtis Mayfield. This has been the inspiration for Lady Blackbird’s powerful, jazz-influenced reimagining. This stunning version was recorded in Prince’s studio Sunset Sound, and as the track opens, the tempo drops, the mood becomes intimate and the story is told, in her inimitable style. There’s a stranger heading to town and if they cross your path, they’re gonna do you wrong.
On this collection of hi calibre remixes, house legend Ashley Beedle kicks off, taking the original over to the dancefloor with his signature lush strings and sumptuous keys. Daddy Ash delivering a soulful future house classic remix of the highest order. There’s a dub, a stripped back version and bonus beats too.
Grammy nominated producer Chris Seefried travels along the route of the ambient soundscape on his Balearic toned rework, whilst Matthew Herbert, a musician and producer known for ignoring boundaries and throwing away conventions, delivers a stunning sound sculpted ‘Wanted Remix’ and instrumental.
