Gilles Peterson …In Brazil
Gilles PetersonGilles Peterson is always there.
Quite simply Gilles Peterson has been one the world’s most influential DJs for many years. By that we’re definitely not talking about a DJ whose playlist trails any and every passing trend. Over time Gilles has become the rootsy, funky, jazzy John Peel for the boho, post-goatee rainbow coalition. Gilles leads the way having taken up residency on the cutting edge. As a broadcaster, DJ, album compiler and record company A+ R his way of relating and applying the world of music has touched countless listeners and dancers as well as influencing and inspiring an abundance of DJs and respected searchers for musical truth. I can well remember, when working at Mr. Bongo’s record shop, the enquiries for items from Gilles’s broadcast the previous night. And then there’s the hand he has had in encouraging new music through his association with the Acid Jazz and Talkin Loud records labels via artists such as Terry Callier, 4 Hero, Roni Size, NuYorican Soul and The Young Disciples.
Running through all the above is Gilles’s abiding love for the music of Brazil. Brazilian music has featured heavily in his worldwide DJ sets, on his ground breaking WorldWide show on Radio 1 as well as on previous compilations. But Gilles Peterson in Brazil is his first ever collection dedicated solely to the sounds of both new and classic Brazil. GPiB is a double album with Clássico focussing on the timeless songs and performers of the 60s, 70s. For anyone who has checked Gilles behind the decks at Dingwalls, The Wag, Miami’s Winter Music Conference or over the airwaves on BBC Radio London, Jazz FM, Kiss FM and now BBC Radio 1, Clássico will bring smiles of recognition featuring as it does so many tunes that Gilles has made his own over the years.
The accompanying Da Hora set is all about now, taking in Brazilian D+B, Jazz and House.
Each CD runs smoothly runs through the gears picking up impetus and power on the way. Taking each twist and turn in its confident stride and sequenced with all the skill and experience we have come to expect from Mr. P.
Gerry Lyseight
Gilles Peterson Online: www.gillespeterson.net
Download a PDF of the London Metro review here.
Download a PDF of the Mixmag review here.
