BIRD UP!: THE CHARLIE PARKER REMIX PROJECT: VARIOUS ARTISTS

Calling all Jazz purists: Did you ever think you’d see the day when System Of A Down’s Serj Tankian would remake Charlie Parker’s “Bird Of Paradise (Gone)”?

While you’re gasping for air, we’ll let you know that, in addition to Serj, some of the Bird-man’s other classic works have also been remixed for this disc by an exciting and diverse roster of artists — including RZA, Dan The Automator, El-P, Hal Willner and Me’shell NdegeOcello. Just so it’s clear, though, this isn’t as much of a remix record as it is a reinterpretation record; in some instances (thanks to complete artistic control), the artists on board don’t even stick much at all to the original recordings. If the Verve Remixed compilations did a lot to change the general perception of Jazz records, then Bird Up will greatly change the perception of Jazz remix records.

- Justin Kleinfeld: CMJ New Music Report Issue: 834 - Oct 06, 2003