There can be no argument… Rufus/Chaka’s 1983 ‘Ain’t Nobody’ is iconic – one hell of tune that never fails to fill floors whenever a DJ drops the needle on that unique, building intro. It’s been covered countless times of course. Dear Mary J Blige’s even had a bash while I’m rather partial to Latin jazzer Alex Wilson’s big salsa version!
Now there’s a new ‘Ain’t Nobody’ on the block – brought to you by two big, big names – DAVID MORALES & ROMINA JOHNSON!
Like the song itself, Morales is something of legend – globally revered and Grammy award-winning! He’s produced and remixed over 1000+ records for an all-star roster of multi-platinum artists, including Mariah Carey, U2, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. For her part, Romina has enjoyed a wonderful soul career – the serious modern soul crowd took her ‘Heartbeat’ album to their hearts while her ‘What Can I Do’ and ‘Never Do’ are contemporary Brit soul clasics.
So when the two come together you can expect soulful quality and that’s just what you get on their version of ‘Ain’t Nobody’ . It’s an impeccable production (you’d expect that) garnished with jazzy piano stabs, dancing strings, joyful horns, lush keys and a very funky bassline. Ms J’s committed vocals flow while the familiar chorus has an explosive quality!
Of course, it’s not better than the original. David Morales never meant it to be! He wanted to create something different to that original; something contemporary that respected the source! He’s smashed it … with more than a little help from dear Romina!
‘Ain’t Nobody’ will be released on June 28th 2024 on DIRIDIM.
