Play 90 second soundbite of 'Under My Thumb' @ 'CD quality'
Himself a teenage 60's pop star turned producer, Uncle Ray (Ray Singer) pooled the resources of some 'friends' to put together this album featuring chilled out versions of Rolling Stones songs. 'Friends' joining Uncle Ray (bass, drums, percussion & keyboards) for this unusual venture are Winston Delandro (Spanish, acoustic and electric guitars), Imaani (vocals & backing vocals), Asha Senator (rap) and Mel Collins (tenor, alto & baritone sax).
Eleven biggies from the Stones' massive repertoire have been selected and arranged by Uncle Ray; what he's done is turned them on their heads, pulled them inside out and given each one a totally new feel. Each has been treated with respectful loving care and attention to detail that allows the depth and strength of Jagger & Richards' works to be revisited and re-evaluated with fresh ears. Probably not for the Stones die-hards, this is more for the connoisseur of stylish modern music with an appreciation of classic songs. This is not an obvious choice for a spectacular dance party or lads night in. However, for a chill out on a balmy summer evening round the pool or BBQ I could see this working. Similarly, it'd work for that classy dinner party atmosphere or to just totally flop out to after a hard day. Just close your eyes and let the sensual rhythm wash gently over and around you.
There's no doubting the quality on show here but, I have to say, it doesn't exactly get my juices flowing. I appreciate what's being done here. 'In Line With Mr.Jimmy' is a very professional, sophisticated piece of work. However, I just can't get into it sufficiently to be able to rave about it. I greatly admire this album for it's deeper meaning. Uncle Ray's arrangements are superb and sensitive - of that there's no doubt. The album is crammed with fine playing which is equally obvious. It has charm and class, it's polished and cool. So, if all of that appeals to you, whether or not you're a Jagger/Richards fan, then 'In Line With Mr.Jimmy' might just be right up your street!
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