GILLES PETERSON Vinyl & CDs

Review: Gilles Peterson's obsession with Cuba is long running and well documented over various compilations from across the years. His latest focusses on Experiments in Latin Music from 1975 to 85 and the title suggests it will be the first of an ongoing series on Soul Jazz, compiled in collaboration with Stuart Baker. Across three vibrant sides of vinyl all manner of grooves are offered up, some more traditional, some bravely out there, all drawing on the jazz, funk, Brazilian tropicalia and disco - mixed with classic Latin and salsa - which made it to the island in the 70s.

Review: Given that Gilles Peterson and Stuart Baker's Cuba: Music and Revolution - Culture Clash in Havana is one of the standout compilations of 2021, hopes are naturally sky-high for this speedy sequel. Like its predecessor, volume 2 focuses on music and made and released on the Caribbean island between 1975 and '85, this time round largely focusing on rare fusions of salsa, Latin jazz, disco, soul and funk, mostly licensed from records that have never been available outside Cuba. It's another stunning selection all told, with highlights including the heady Cuban disco/salsa fusion of Orquesta Los Van Van, the fiery disco-funk of FA 5, the heavily percussive hedonism of Luis Carobonell and the fuzzy psychedelic rock of Grupo De Experimentacion Sonora Del ICAIC. In a word: essential.

Review: Gilles Peterson remains a man with his finger firmly on the pulse and this is another album to prove it: International Anthem is a special double compilation highlighting the renowned DJ and curator's deep connection with Chicago's celebrated contemporary jazz label. Featuring selections drawn from Peterson's BBC 6Music, Worldwide FM and syndicated shows, the collection showcases standout tracks from the label's first decade and also included is an exclusive, previously unreleased live recording from Worldwide FM. Pressed on "Frozen Lake Michigan" coloured vinyl, this Record Store Day exclusive is part of International Anthem's "IA11" series-celebrating 11 years by honouring their past while shaping the future of boundary-pushing global sounds.

Review: Brownswood Recordings is back with Future Bubblers 8.0, the eighth volume of their influential annual compilation the highlights fresh talents as part of Gilles Peterson's network with support by Arts Council England and PRS Foundation. This new volume continues to spotlight unsigned talent and grow the audience for experimental music by helping emerging artists build sustainable careers by sharing revenue directly. Past artists include Yazmin Lacey, KinKai, and Lynda Dawn who have gone on to make their own mark and now this new vinyl features six tracks blending r&b, soul, funk, rap and electronic influences into all new sound worlds.

Review: Influential DJ, producer, and Acid Jazz and Talkin' Loud founder Gilles Peterson has curated his jazz favourites from the iconic Dutch jazz label Timeless. The selection includes Pharoah Sanders' cosmic 'Moonchild', Carter Jefferson's vocal jazz on 'Why', Tom Grant's danceable 'No Me Esqueca', and Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers' 'In Case You Missed It'. While Peterson compiled a Japan-only CD in 2015, this version adds previously unreleased gems like 'Mode For Joe' by Cedar Walton Trio and 'Gibraltar (Alternate Take)' by Kirk Lightsey Trio feat. Freddie Hubbard, making it essential for collectors.

Review: Gilles Peterson's dedication to unearthing new artists is second to none. He has long championed the next generation as much as he has carefully dug out delights from his vast vaults of jazz, world, soul and Latin music, both on his various radio shows but also his own label Brownswood. The Future Bubbler series is where he does that best and now it hits a seventh volume with eight more tracks from fresh creative talents who explore broken beat, nu jazz and plenty of in between styles in all in their own unique ways.