If you’re aching for a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” with classical flourishes, changes, and interludes, then the latest track from virtual ensemble Zanilonia – “Foxey Lady” – should grant immediate and long-lasting relief.
Baltimore-based musician David Z – again working under the name Zanilonia – wanted to accompany a friend’s wildlife photography with apropos music. And with a great deal of fox pictures to choose from, David pulled out an old demo of the aforementioned Hendrix anthem, followed it through unexpected twists and turns, and finished it with little creative impedance.
Is Zanilonia’s “Foxey Lady” a closely knitted cover, or a respectful but utter reimagining? I would say… somewhere in between. The structure mostly remains, and the original song is immediately discernible, but the delivery is paced more slowly; acoustic arpeggios sit above a relaxed, trotting beat and strolling bass line.
And the voice? Smoother, calmer; it’s very much unlike Hendrix’s side-of-the-mic barking. Think Steve Miller, but with a little more soul.
About those classical flourishes: They happen during the breathy utterances of “Foxy,” when the song angles surprisingly into harpsichord-like arpeggios. And then, at about 1:42, the song slows and breaks for a soft organ passage. Shocking? No. Clever, unexpected, but somehow perfectly suited? Yes.
If you love Jimi Hendrix, or you’re curious how “Foxey Lady” might sound if someone toned down the elemental rock and injected some classical finesse, Zanilonia’s “Foxey Lady” is a unique and surprising interpretation.
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