Listen To Jordan Rakei's Cover Of Donald Byrd's 'Wind Parade'

Aotearoa-born, London-based RnB / soul artist Jordan Rakei is one of the many massive talents aboard the Blue Note Re:imagined project, with the likes of Jorja Smith, Ezra Collective and more reworking and reviving classic Blue Note Records tracks. Among covers of quintessential St Germain, Herbie Hancock and Bobby Hutcherson cuts, Rakei has shared his spin on jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd’s mystical, funky 'Wind Parade' from 1975 album Places And Spaces. When choosing a song to recreate, Rakei said 'Wind Parade' immediately spoke to him, and he felt a connection to its "funk, hip hop vibe and the ethereal vocals", the latter credited to Kay Haith, Larry Mizell and Fonce Mizell. Rakei fills out 'Wind Parade' with modern jazz trimmings, harmonies and bass, plugging in complex, but never too busy, new percussion parts. Compare the two versions below for a taste of how soul music has both changed and stayed the same...

'Blue Note Re:imagined' is out October 2nd via Blue Note Records.