You hear many house remixes of classic soul tracks, but few soul covers of house classics.
Gloria Scott’s first record came out in 1964, produced by Sly from Sly and the Family Stone. She was also one of the Ikettes, and released several singles on Casablanca that were produced by Barry White.
I think that kind of career gives one the gravitas to take on a stone cold house music classic like Joe Smooth‘s 1987 intercontinental and indeed galactic hit “Promised Land.” Appropriately released as a 7″, this gorgeous rework starts with Scott’s smoky intonation and a narrative that on its own will probably be ransacked for house samples by producers starving for soul nourishment for another 35 years. The lively production from Andrew McGuinness is shown off on an instrumental b-side, which I think is exclusive to the vinyl release.
Gloria Scott’s “Promised Land” is out now on Acid Jazz; get it on Bandcamp.
Gloria Scott: Promised Land (Acid Jazz / 7″ Vinyl + Digital) Track Listing
A1. Gloria Scott: “Promised Land” (4:35)
B1. Gloria Scott: “Promised Land” (instrumental) (4:34)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was not submitted as a promo.
