Batov Records revisit Sandman Project’s “Hamsa”, a standout and indeed addictively catchy track in their catalog that fused Ethiopian jazz with West African psychedelic rock, with four brand new remixes destined to battle for attention in DJs’ crates from a global array of Batov’s friends and family.
UK producer, drummer, and DJ, Emanative aka Nick Woodmansey, the artist behind critically acclaimed albums for the likes of Brownswood and Jazzman Records, transforms the original into hard grooving jazz jam, recording (and playing) the drums himself and inviting long-time collaborator and queen of keys, Jessica Lauren, to add her magic touch to proceedings and lay down a majestic Farfisa solo. Vince Vella provides the finishing touch, with an Afro-Latin kick, on congas, udu drums, and other percussion instruments.
Japanese producer and DJ, Koichi Sakai, long-based in London, where he participated heavily in the city’s strong Afrobeat and dub & reggae scenes, whilst studying and producing his own incredible electronic material, collaborating with the likes of celebrated Ghanaian percussionist and band leader Afla Sackey on Olindo Records. With great subtlety, Sakai transforms “Hamsa” into a mid-tempo house groove with lush synth chords.
Rounding off the package, Woxow, Italian DJ, producer, and boss of 45s label, Little Beat More, deftly transforms “Hamsa” into a dub meets boom bap odyssey perfect for losing yourself in for hours on a loop, whilst fellow Batov label mate Ayala gently recalibrates the track for maximum dancefloor effectiveness. With a touch of extra bass here and there and a steady rhythm that will tease and entice the most discerning of dancefloors.
With these four remixes, Batov Records give “Hamsa” the second lease of life it deserves and highlights the creative potential of Sandman Project, whetting the appetite for new songs. Moreover, the assembled remixes highlight a wide variety of talented producers with a keen ear for merging seemingly disparate sounds and are a credit to Batov Records’ curatorial instincts.
1. Hamsa (Koichi Sakai Remix)
2. Hamsa (Woxow Remix)
3. Hamsa (Emanative Rework)
4. Hamsa (Ayala's Rhythm Mix)