RE-201 – a new project from Echo Beach’s closest circle of producers,
is a tribute to the legendary Roland Space Echo – and, much like this
iconic device, it is a time machine that invites listeners to take a
trip back to the mythical Eighties.
Initiated by label CEO Nicolai Beverungen and recorded under the
auspices of Swiss mastermind DELAYPILOT, this release is the debut of an
all-star project. The single “Another One Bites The Dust” is a classic
track by British prog-rock band Queen with a bassline that was
unquestionably influenced by Chic’s “Good Times”. In 1981, Grandmaster
Flash recycled both basslines in his legendary showcase “The Adventures
of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel”.
Everything comes full-circle 40 years later: bassist Doug Wimbish,
world-renowned for playing with Living Colour, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Mos
Def and many others, was once a member of the rhythm section of
Sugarhill Records, the label famous for emulating the legendary Chic
bassline on the first rap single in history, “Rappers Delight” by
Sugarhill Gang.
The brilliant vocals are by Berlin singer Dellé, one of the founding
members of Germany’s unique fusion reggae band SEEED, whose mix of
roots, dancehall, hip hop and dub is unmatched. On his first solo album,
“Before I Grow Old”, Dellé had already dipped a toe in the water of the
Eighties with a cover version of the classic belter “The Power of Love”
(Frankie Goes To Hollywood). On this new release he reveals himself as
an admirer of Queen singer Freddie Mercury and treats us to a sublime
interpretation that remains true to the original version. The exquisite
background vocals are by “Akina McKenzie” !
The new version, mixed by New Yorker Lee Grooves (whose work includes
Janet Jackson, Depeche Mode, Black Eyed Peas) and rounded off by the
Mad Remix by Dubinator, is a profound salute to Freddie and John, to
Chic bassist Bernard Edwards, to the old masters of dub (Lee Perry, King
Tubby, Prince Jammy) and their favourite piece of kit, the Roland
RE-201.
It is also a taste of what’s to come: several high-carat producer
teams are lined up to pay tribute to the Roland Space Echo time machine
by dubifying many more milestones in the pop music world.
