You know the sample that anchors the reworked, "Extended Overhaul" version of DJ Shadow's classic Organ Donor? That forward-sounding keyboard line is from Robert Jan Stips, who played with the 1970's Dutch prog-rock outfit Supersister.
DJ Shadow is apparently a big fan of the man's playing, as this week he released a remix of a Supersiter tune entitled Dona Nobis Pacem. The original is a brooding, trippy take on a classical tune (see below). Shadow's version is mostly based on footwork sounds, with a middle section that sounds like EPROM or someone else you'd hear dropping experimental beats at Low End Theory. The tune is a free download from DJ Shadow.
Stips and Shadow met in 2010 at one of Shadow's Netherlands "Shadowsphere" shows, and a discussion was introduced about the possibility of a remix or other collaboration. "It just seemed appropriate," says Shadow, "Given how influenced I've been by RJ Stips' playing. Plus, it's a great way to draw attention not only to the songs I've sampled, but their broader work as well." On his remix, Shadow interpolates portions of "Dona Nobis Pacem" by Supersister, and twists them into a complex framework inspired by elements of footwork and the contemporary California beat scene (check out that drop!!!)
Thanks to RJ Stips and Shadow, the remix is being made available as a free download above and here: bit.ly/DJS-SupersisterDL
