thank you...that means alot.
Yo ninelives, your review was the truth---can't even hate on you man. You smashed it---big ups. KDP
Another glowing review for Gilles' album coming out on Nov 1st in the US. Has anyone listened to his new Worldwide show on our Jukebox yet? _______________________________________________________________ ‘Gilles Peterson Presents The BBC Sessions, Volume 1’ (Ether Music) When you sit down and really try to define “good music” a few words might come to mind. Sooner or later the search for quality will ultimately lead to the man who has established himself as a pioneer of good new music over the last 20 years. In much the same way villagers in a tribal society would seek out the local witch doctor to cure their ailments, heads with a passion for music will eventually find Giles Peterson - probably somewhere between 99.0 FM and 99.9 FM (on a Sunday night). ‘The BBC Sessions, Volume 1’ is a collection of live recordings made at the BBC’s Maida Vale studios for Peterson’s “Worldwide” show where for the past 5 years or so Giles has routinely invited some of the most enigmatic and original artists and musical ensembles to give one-off performances. What we are presented with here is perhaps just the tip of the iceberg. The quality of music on this double CD (yes… double!) is awesome. With heavy leanings towards the jazzier side of things CD1 opens with The Heritage Orchestra “Ballad for Strings.” An epic 10-minute display of musical virtuosity that just doesn’t happen enough these days. N.E.R.D provide what feels like “filler” but is in fact an improvised jam, bringing to light the wealth of creativity that has taken the planet by storm, albeit under the guise of The Neptunes. A personal highlight is Beck and his performance of “Round the Bend.” This adds a distinctly darker flavour to the feel-good soul that sits a few tracks either side of it. One of the UK’s best hip-hop acts, Roots Manuva delivers a bare-bones rendition of “Dreamy Days” a performance that captures Roots at possibly his highest point as a performer. CD2 is a treat. With many names that you may not of heard of but plenty that you have. Amp Fiddler is there adding an invaluable slice of funk-pie with “I’m Doing Fine”. The man’s affection for a groove shines through on this song and leaves you wondering why all music can’t make you feel that good. And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Roisin Murphy comes along with her smoky bar voice and jumps your bones with the funkified “Sow Into You.” Little known British band Jade Fox present their unique funk/rock sound with the wonderfully named Grace Under Pressure, and the supremely talented Cody ChesnuTT provides a refreshing break from the Rhodes-fest that some of the other acts seem to indulge in. It’s in these moments that I think the true quality of Giles Peterson’s selection comes into fruition. While it would be tempting to put out an album of “neo-soul” Bilal-a-likes or 2 CDs worth of 7 minute jazz rants, Giles Peterson manages to find that elusive middle ground where all parties leave feeling satisfied and educated. ‘The BBC Sessions’ is an essential piece of kit for any fans out there but more importantly, if you’ve never heard of the guy (but have been excited by this review), then this album would be an excellent way to introduce yourself to the man and the music he plays. Reviewed by Giant Step contributor Oriel Davis (ninelives) October 2005 View ninelives‘s profile: www.giantstep.net