Having launched the 'Masterpiece' series back in 2008, the focus has always been on creating something special for the listener, something more than just a mix compilation of the latest big records more of a celebration of the true masters of the trade. And nothing's changed. We've had unforgettable releases from Francois K, Jazzie B and more recently Fabio & Grooverider, but now is the time for none other than Mr Gilles Peterson.
After two-years in the making, there's no doubt that Gilles has gone all out to make this release as interesting and special as possible. Spread across 3 discs (Dusk, Dawn and Twilight), each mix combines both old and new as Gilles almost compares the sounds, showing just how well they fit alongside each other. It's this ability to stay at the forefront of the current but with the knowledge to delve deep into the past that made him an obvious choice for the Masterpiece series.
Born in France, but raised in London, Gilles first started to make his name in the early 80's, playing a key role in the burgeoning pirate radio movement that was happening in South London at the time. Having already started DJing at parties and bars, his passion for playing rare jazz, soul and latin records fitted perfectly on the radio and after presenting for a string of pirate stations he landed a job at BBC London with his show Mad On Jazz.
It was also at this time that he became good friends with key London figureheads Paul Murphy and Nicky Holloway as he started playing the back room for many of the key Acid House nights that were starting to pop up across town. Drawing inspiration from his peers in the main room and his own personal tastes, the sound of Acid Jazz started to grow with Gilles leading the way. In-turn his 5-year Sunday Afternoon residency at Dingwalls that started in '86 became the stuff of legend as connoisseurs and ravers showed up every week to squeeze the last drops out of the weekend.
With the word well and truly out there, Gilles moved into A&R, initially by creating some now-legendary compilations for labels such as Street Sounds and Blue Note, but also moving into releasing records through his own labels Hardback Recordings and Acid Jazz. Just as it was with his DJing, his work as an A&R didn't go unnoticed and in '89 he landed a dream job through Phonogram when they asked him to A&R their brand new Talkin' Loud label. It was in this role that he truly cemented his reputation as the tastemaker.
Classic material followed from The Brand New Heavies, Jamiroquai, Galliano and The Young Disciples, as well as no less than 5 Mercury Music nominations with 4hero, Courtney Pine, Young Disciples, MJ Cole and Roni Size Reprazent the winner in '97. All the time he was continuing his love of radio, building the hugely impressive foundations of his Worldwide show at Kiss FM for 8 years before taking it to BBC Radio 1 in '98 where he has been a mainstay ever since.
As a DJ, radio presenter, promoter and an experienced compiler, the one thing that Gilles has always had is flawless programming and nothing has changed. Drawing on all his know-how, the 3-discs each perfectly complement each other and although there's a definite focus on the current most exciting names in underground electronic music, he still perfectly captures the wide range of sounds and tempo's that are so synonymous with his sets.
With nearly 50 artists spread across the release and with different vibes on each CD, this is definitely a release that is best left to the speakers to describe, although with names such as Scuba, Mo Kolours, SBTRKT, Koreless, Locussolus, Gatto Fritto and Art Department sitting next to classic artists such as Phuture, Roy Ayers, Cameo and Soul II Soul rest assured, if you like good music, you'll love this.
As Gilles himself put it so simply, ³Hopefully this mix selection helps sum up all the wondrous things constantly emerging in the slipstream of today's dance scene.²
It most definitely does thank you Gilles.
A Ministry Of Sound Release - Out Now
http://www.ministryofsound.com
Tracklisting:
CD1 (Dusk)
1. Finn Peters Purple
2. Mr Beatnick Synthetes
3. Scuba So You Think You're Special (Joe Remix)
4. Mic Newman The Fidelity
5. Roman Rauch Can't Get Enough (SoulPhiction Remix)
6. Bassfort Moon Shadow
7. Prommer & Barck Sleeping Beauty
8. Mr Raoul K The African Government
9. Bjorn Torske Langt Fra Afrika (Todd Terje Remix)
10. Mo Kolours Biddies
11. King Coya Villa Donde
12. SBTRKT Feat. Sampha Hold On
13. Koreless MTI
14. Kode9 & The Spaceape Feat. Cha Cha Love Is The Drug
15. Jacques Greene Another Girl
16. Bugge Wesseltoft & Henrik Schwarz Kammermusik
CD2 (Dawn)
1. Wagon Christ Mr Mukatsuku
2. Peaking Lights Hey Sparrow
3. Locussolus Throwdown (Vocal)
4. Arthur's Landing Love Dancing
5. Tyrone Evans Rise Up
6. Ish Faster Than A Speeding Bullet
7. Gatto Fritto Hex
8. Discodeine Falkenberg
9. Owiny Sigoma Band Wires (Theo Parrish Mix)
10. Dinosaur L Go Bang!
11. Virgo Four It's A Crime (Caribou Mix)
12. Phuture Acid Tracks
13. Art Department Feat. Seth Troxler Living The Life
14. Hot Natured Feat. Ali Love Forward Motion
15. Julio Bashmore Batty Knee Dance
16. Four Tet - Pinnacles
CD3 (Twilight)
1. Incognito Summers Ended
2. Cameo The Sound Table
3. Roy Ayers Evolution
4. Light Of The World Time
5. Freeez Southern Freeez
6. Tom Browne Come For The Ride
7. Soul II Soul Fairplay
8. Leena Conquest Boundaries
9. Charlie Winston In Your Hands
10. NYCC I'll Keep A Light In My Window
11. Gene Chandler Does She Have A Friend (For Me?)
12. The Meditation Singers Trouble's Brewin
13. Teena Marie Portuguese Love
14. RAMP Daylight
15. Young Disciples As We Come (To Be)
16. Terry Callier Dancing Girl
17. The Royal Jazz Trio Various Kicks - Grand Battement Walks
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