Professional vocalist and teacher, Angie A, originally chose the song for her community vocal group ‘Angie’s Keep Calm and Sing Group’.
The group aims to help people’s breathing through the joys of singing. With charity already firmly part of her life, what Angie came up with next was not surprising.
During the Summer lockdown, Angie saw the Queen on the news saying ‘We will see our families again, we will meet again…’. From there on in, Angie knew what she wanted to do. Angie adapted the lyrics to the Vera Lynn classic to a new rhythm track she created and went from there.
The song is a reflection on some experiences of the first national lockdown of 2020. Angie states ‘it’s a thought provoking song, looking at things like how we now negotiate more intently how we walk along the street when others are about or how the 1st lockdown was like a rug being pulled from everyone’s feet…or how people in local communities came together to support one another’.
The single is a charity release, aiming to raise funds for two of her chosen causes. The two charities aim to help get technology in school for pupils who can’t afford it and, secondly, to introduce online entertainment for care home residents.
Angie claims these charities are close to her heart because ‘many pupils don’t have the necessary hardware to access their remote learning, as pointed out by Streatham MP Bell Ribeiro Addy, and I would like to help.
Also, as someone who has entertained in many care homes before the pandemic, I would like to help raise funds so more care homes can adapt their entertainment to some kind of one room cinematic large screen zoom type entertainment.
Please support wherever you can, this really is about community, thank you’.
Previously, Angie has already appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, receiving plaudits from the likes of Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan.
Without further ado, let’s get into the song itself. Things kick off with a heavy dance beat, matched by some slow lyrics from the singer.
The Caribbean vibe created by the brass instruments is a lovely addition to this revamped classic. Not only do we get a dub-cum-trap version, but a hint of reggae to add another flavour to the single.
I must admit, in my head I was ready for this to be a car crash. Sometimes, classics should be left alone, never to be remade. However, I have to say, this has been a triumph.
From the off, you can sense the soul in her voice, echoing a young Nina Simone. With this, I feel as though she’s kept true to the original in her voice, as her vocals definitely nod to the era it’s from.
However, it has certainly been reinvented. The addition of fresh instruments and a new beat refreshes the song to bring it into the modern age without ripping off the original. By keeping the beat and rhythm simple, it allows the lyrics to breath, retaining the core inspiration of the track.
The charity single is due to be released on December 20th so set your alarms because it is well worth a listen.
For a sneak peak, follow the SoundCloud link below
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Angie-ARam-Jam-Records-111346582233236/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/1angiea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiejazzya
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