Steam Down Redo Wayne Shorter’s ‘Etcetera’ For ‘Blue Note Re:imagined’
The multi-award-winning group’s cover features the vocals of Afronaut Zu.
Acclaimed collective Steam Down, one of the most-talked-about groups on the London scene, today (31) release their interpretation of Wayne Shorter’s “Etcetera.” The track will be part of the forthcoming Blue Note Re:imagined album, which follows on September 25.
The multi-award-winning Steam Down’s contribution features the vocals of Afronaut Zu, and it’s a characteristically cool combination drawn from their eclectic make-up, which features afro-swing, grime, jazz and future soul. “Etcetera” was the title track from revered jazz saxophonist Shorter’s 1965 Blue Note album. Steam Down have been described by The Guardian as “A snapshot of London in all its open-minded variety.”
“Wayne Shorter has long been my favorite saxophonist and composer in jazz,” says Steam Down’s Ahnansé. “Reworking ‘Etcetera’ from his legendary Blue Note catalog is a childhood dream come true.”
The track is the third taste of the Blue Note Re:imagined album to be released during July. Jorja Smith’s cover of St. Germain’s “Rose Rouge” was the lead single from the project, followed by Poppy Ajudha’s “Watermelon Man (Under The Sun),” her reading of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.”
Reimagining Hutcherson, Henderson and more
The album will also include new interpretations of Blue Note originals by such figureheads as Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson, Donald Byrd, Eddie Henderson, McCoy Tyner and Andrew Hill. Blue Note is further marking its release by opening the Blue Note Re:imagined online merchandise shop, where you can order the album in various formats, including an exclusive 2LP blue vinyl edition.
Also on offer are 7-inch vinyl editions of the singles by Jorja Smith, Poppy Ajudha and Steam Down, as well as Blue Note Re:imagined sweatshirts, longsleeves t-shirts and a bucket hat.
Blue Note Re:imagined is released on September 25. Pre-order it here.
The full Blue Note Re:imagined tracklist is:
1. Jorja Smith – “Rose Rouge”
2. Ezra Collective – “Footprints”
3. Poppy Ajudha – “Watermelon Man (Under The Sun)”
4. Jordan Rakei – “Wind Parade”
5. Skinny Pelembe – “Illusion (Silly Apparition)”
6. Alfa Mist – “Galaxy”
7. Ishmael Ensemble – “Search for Peace”
8. Nubya Garcia – “A Shade of Jade”
9. Steam Down featuring Afronaut Zu – “Etcetera”
10. Blue Lab Beats – “Montara”
11. Yazmin Lacey – “I’ll Never Stop Loving You”
12. Fieh – “Armageddon”
13. Mr Jukes – “Maiden Voyage”
14. Shabaka Hutchings – “Prints Tie”
15. Melt Yourself Down – “Caribbean Fire Dance”
16. Emma-Jean Thackray – “Speak No Evil / Night Dreamer”
Listen to the Blue Note Monthly playlist on Apple Music and Spotify.
