Jill Scott – Whatever (Remixes)
Ristricted Access
Catalogue Number: RA-3003
Jill Scott may or may not be a name you are familiar with; chances are you won’t be
familiar with her. In her genre however she is one of the leading lights. Having won
awards at the Grammy’s and countless other prestigious artist acclaims, Jill Scott has
a silky smooth, soul voice. ‘Whatever’ is synonymous with that aforementioned style, and
is taken from her latest album which is a collection of soulful and contemporary R&B with
a twist of jazz. Her sensual voice makes her perfect pray for a house remix. That
standpoint is where we begin.
A: Q’s Night Vocal
B: Q’s Night Instrumental
The identity of the remixer can be announced a man by the name of Quentin Harris, and a
sublime job he’s done. The temptation to time-stretch the vocal out of disco-house control
was always going to be there with a remix of this tune, thankfully Harris has kept a very
stern distance from that possibility and opted for a spine-tingling prog-house workout. We
commence with a strong kick and minimal backing percussion, the niggling addictiveness of
the closed hats rippling like a calm sea keep an air of energy and drive. The rasp of the
bassline is infinitely heartening, whilst the trademark prog marimba stabs fall over the
wooden-tom led percussion in truly hypnotic fashion. On the flip we get this and nothing
less in a smooth instrumental, but in reality this not why you would shell out for this
record. Evidently the crowning jewel is the woman herself. Beautiful vocals wrap their
warm arms around every synth lick and bass wobble as if this was how the vocal intended
to be joined with. Lyrically Scott has always had an edge on the watered down soul market,
and like Angie Stone she is no stranger to house makeovers.
In short this is perfect listening material or early doors prog-house material, picture a
smokey bar-cum-lounge, or a decadent intimate club. Quentin Harris’ has provided us with a
pure slice of early morning New York magic on vinyl. This may not be as instant as some of
the remixes of soul artists on the market, but it will certainly grow on you given the
chance and the right ambience. If I was to describe Jill Scott’s ‘Whatever’ in one word
which I haven’t already used in this review, it would be blissful.
View comments here
Review by Xalno
| 
