(November 17, 2017) "I Put a Spell on You" is one of the recognizable and most covered songs in the soul music songbooks. It’s been done plenty of times, but most memorably by Nina Simone. Miss Simone set the standard by which all other versions of this song will be measured. Some people play it straight while others, such as Jon Bibbs, gave the tune a touch of jazz.
The soulful sorceress Dessy Di Lauro and Ric’key Pageot perform the ultimate magic trick by creating a version that remains true to Simone while also being endowed with the pair’s unique voice. Di Lauro, who is perhaps best known for her 2013 project This Is Neo Ragtime, now operates with husband Pageot under the name Parlor Social. The track keeps that dirge type beat that Simone made so famous, but adds a sinister rap performed by Mr. Act Now Or Never that hints that there’s an additional ingredient in that drink; and a 20-piece orchestra featuring some frightful violin work written by legendary arranger/producer Benjamin Wright, and Pageot’s work on the squeezebox accordion. The mashup gives this version a classic yet contemporary sound. Check it out.