The album features 12 reimagined Eurythmics classics, interpreted through Korb’s jazz lens. “Sweet Dreams” features Korb’s long-time collaborators Magnus Hjorth on piano and Snorre Kirk on drums. The album also includes contributions from Danish harmonica player Mathias Heise, Swedish saxophonist Karl-Martin Almqvist, Danish trombonist Steen Nikolaj Hansen, and Cuban percussionist Yohan Ramon. This release further marks Korb’s efforts to blend her jazz background with the iconic 80s sound of the Eurythmics, offering new arrangements and interpretations of well-known songs.
Her journey to create a tribute album for the Eurythmics began with her memories of the MTV era, when Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals and innovative sounds dominated the airwaves. The Eurythmics’ music had a significant impact on Korb during her teenage years, with Lennox’s performances becoming anthems for young women seeking empowerment. Initially, the Eurythmics were not on Korb’s radar for a new project. In 2021, she had completed a pandemic-era double album, “What If / Why Not”, which blended new arrangements of pop tunes with standards and as she stated expected to focus on composing new material after the release of that album.
However, the idea for the Eurythmics tribute came unexpectedly when promoter Amikam Kimmelman contacted Korb about arranging and organizing a show celebrating a world-famous duo for a festival appearance in October 2023. Given the choice between The Carpenters and Eurythmics, Korb chose the latter, intrigued by the challenge of finding her own voice within Annie Lennox’s powerful legacy.
Korb approached the project with the plan to create arrangements that would seamlessly fit her Danish band with the addition of a select number of guest artists.Her creative process involved immersing herself in the Eurythmics catalog and seeking input from fans. Korb carefully selected songs by reading lyrics separately from the music to ensure the stories resonated with her adult self. She took long walks in the forest while listening to the original tracks, allowing her mind to explore new interpretations.
To develop her arrangements, Korb made sketches of melodies and basic chords, then deliberately avoided listening to the original versions again. She experimented with different vibes, tempos, and chord changes to create unique arrangements. Korb collaborated with her band to refine and perfect each piece, allowing the music to evolve through rehearsals and performances.
Korb’s approach to arranging these well-known songs is thoughtful and often surprising. For instance, her version of “Sweet Dreams” eschews the iconic synthesizer intro, opting instead for a more subtle nod to the original that allows for greater musical interaction. This decision sets the tone for the album, demonstrating Korb’s willingness to take risks with familiar material.
The album benefits from a stellar lineup of musicians. Korb’s long-time collaborators, pianist Magnus Hjorth and drummer Snorre Kirk, provide a solid foundation throughout. The addition of harmonica virtuoso Mathias Heise brings an unexpected dimension to tracks like “There Must Be An Angel,” where he reinterprets Stevie Wonder’s original solo with a Brazilian twist.
Standout tracks include “Here Comes The Rain Again,” where Korb’s stripped-down arrangement highlights the song’s inherent melancholy, and “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves,” which gets a high-energy makeover complete with a Charles Mingus-inspired intro.
While Korb’s interpretations are generally successful, some listeners might find the arrangements strip away some of the raw energy that made the originals so compelling. However, this approach allows for a deeper exploration of the songs’ lyrics and emotional content, often revealing new facets to familiar tunes.
Korb’s bass playing deserves special mention. Her grooves are solid and supportive, providing a strong foundation for the band while also offering moments of melodic counterpoint to her vocals. This dual role as bassist and vocalist gives the album a unique character, distinct from traditional jazz vocal albums. The production quality is high throughout, with a clear, warm sound that allows each instrument to be heard distinctly while still blending into a cohesive whole. The decision to record some tracks live in the studio adds an organic feel to the performances, capturing the energy and interplay of the musicians.
“Sweet Dreams” is more than just a collection of covers; it’s a thoughtful reinterpretation of the Eurythmics catalog through a jazz lens. Korb’s arrangements demonstrate a deep understanding of both the original material and jazz traditions, resulting in an album that should appeal to both Eurythmics fans and jazz enthusiasts.
The album also highlights the enduring quality of the Eurythmics’ songwriting. By stripping these songs down to their essence and rebuilding them in a jazz context, Korb highlights the strength of the melodies and lyrics, proving their versatility across genres.
Overall, “Sweet Dreams” is a thoughtful and well-executed tribute that should appeal to both Eurythmics fans and jazz enthusiasts. Korb’s arrangements breathe new life into these classics, offering listeners a chance to experience familiar songs from a different perspective.
Published on jazzmusicarchives.com
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