Gilles Peterson Albums (16)
'Sunday Afternoon at Dingwalls'
Release Date 9/29/2006
Tracks 26
Label Ether
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Worldwide Exclusives'
Release Date 3/21/2006
Tracks 14
Label UMe Imports
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Gilles Peterson in Africa'
Release Date 4/25/2005
Tracks 19
Label Ether
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Gilles Peterson had been the host of the BBC's Worldwide Show for roughly five years when this collection of live-in-the-studio recordings was released. During that period he had adopted a practice somewhat like that of the legendary John Peel, who had become famous in the 1980s for inviting cutting-edge pop, punk, and new wave bands to come play live broadcasts in the Maida Vale studios; the resulting EPs and compilations subsequently became staples in the record collections of many Generation Xers. Peterson's take on the same approach yielded this generously packed, if quite uneven, two-disc collection of live tracks by the likes of the Roots, N.E.R.D., Roisin Murphy, and Amp Fiddler. The program leans heavily toward progressive hip-hop and nu-jazz, and the best of the performances are impressive indeed: Björk (OK, so it isn't all nu-jazz and hip-hop) delivers a brilliant beatbox-accompanied performance on "Who Is It," Matthew Herbert's "Audience" is excellent as well, and the Roots' rendition of "Melting Pot" is a masterpiece, a triumph of high-energy, organic live hip-hop. Unfortunately, the highlights are outnumbered by such pedestrian fare as Beck's enervated "Round the Bend," Steve Reid and Four Tet's abstract and self-indulgent "Knives and Forks," and Cody Chestnut's egregiously nasty and lyrically ridiculous "The Seed." But rip the best ones to your iPod and you'll be grooving along happily for at least an hour. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'Worldwide, Vol. 3'
Release Date 7/8/2003
Tracks 15
Label Talkin Loud
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On pace in 2003 to at least equal his prolific (nearly to a fault) mix-disc output of 2002, Gilles Peterson presents the third installment of his Worldwide series, which once again reflects the breadth of his Radio 1 show. If your three favorite adjectives when it comes to music are soulful, tasteful, and jazzy, Peterson remains your man, and his balance between up-to-date developments and undervalued pieces of the past remains as in place as ever. Fittingly, the first track is by the Detroit Experiment, a cross-generational collaboration that Peterson could've only dreamed of prior to it becoming a reality. Their version of Marcus Belgrave's "Space Odyssey" (with the composer reprising his role on trumpet) is cut short to make way for 2 Banks of 4's yet-to-be-issued "One Day," an uplifting, summery shuffle that features a stunning performance from Valerie Etienne. From there, Peterson goes back and forth between the old and the new. A back-to-back pairing of Jermaine Jackson's "You Like Me Don't You" and Marvin Gaye's "Heavy Love Affair" is inspired, highlighting the oft-forgotten Motown of the early '80s. From the younger generation, the key inclusion is Kelis' "Little Suzie" -- who knew that a Peterson mix would ever feature a Neptunes production? While generally enjoyable, the main stumbling block -- Peterson's common foible -- is the occasional inclusion that is so smoothed out that it barely exists. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The fourth installment of his Trust the DJ mix series sees Gilles Peterson presenting more of the same vibe that made the previous three mix CDs highly successful. Taking some of the most inventive productions in the world of hip-hop, soul, jazz, and downtempo electronic music, Peterson once again blends the classic, obscure, and new seamlessly into one enjoyable session. Like most of his efforts, this is suitable for a wide range of listening environments, from late night/early morning excursions to relaxing Sunday summer afternoons. Peterson once again delivers the goods the way only he truly can. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Gilles Peterson's name is synonymous with modern soul music, and his radio program on BBC Radio One is one of the most successful in the station's history. Every Wednesday night, jazz and soul fanatics worldwide tune in to find out what exclusives Peterson has in his pocket or what dusty he'll next unleash on a salivating public. This second volume of the Worldwide program keeps in tradition with his radio program, with a little bit of old (Sun Ra, Gene Harris) and a little bit of the new (4hero, Dwele) and mixing it up into the signature sound that only he can deliver. It's no less than his best work to date and a perfect starting point for those unfamiliar with his radio program or his previous mix CDs. ~ Rob Theakston, All Music Guide
