10 Tracks Gilles Peterson Has Turned Me On To

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10 Tracks Gilles Peterson Has Turned Me On To

For about two decades, the London-based DJ, record label owner, and music producer Gilles Peterson has been a major influence on me. From his work as a radio presenter on both BBC Radio 6 and Worldwide FM, and his eclectic DJ sets, to his Brownswood label, the compilations he produces, and the festivals he puts on, Gilles has opened my eyes to so much amazing music and helped inspire my own musical path.

One of the things that has been so influential is Gilles ability to incorporate a wide variety of different types of music into both his DJ sets and radio shows. Often you’ll hear an eclectic mixture of jazz, house, Latin, Brazilian, African, soul, hip-hop, and electronic music all within the same set, jumping from different “genres” and have it all flow flawlessly. His passion for seeking both old and new music, and sharing it with as many people as possible has truly been inspiration.

With Gilles making his return to the Bay Area on Feb 15th at the New Parrish in Oakland, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite tracks and recordings he’s turned me onto over the years.

Bobby Rodriguez — “Simply Macrame”
(1973 / Jazz Men Records)

I was recently introduced to this incredible big band Latin jazz-funk track this past April when Gilles played as part of his Jazz Jukebox set on Worldwide FM. The title track to the highly rare 1973 album is a 16-minute rendition of Freddie Hubbard’s classic standard “Little Sunflower.” The record has been on my wishlist ever since I heard it on that show.

Lambert, Hendricks & Bayan - At Newport_63

Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan — “Yeh – Yeh!”
(1963 / RCA Victor)

“Yeh-Yeh!” is an upbeat vocal jazz classic from Dave Lambert, Jon Hendricks and Yolande Bavan. Recorded live in 1963, the swingin’ gem also features jazz legends Clark Terry on trumpet and Coleman Hawkins on saxophone. This might be the happiest, most fun jazz song ever recorded.

Cal Tjader — “Tamanco No Samba”
(1976 / Fantasy)

I’ve been a fan of the Bay Area-based vibraphonist and composer for many years, however it wasn’t until Gilles played Tjader’s “Tamanco No Samba” on BBC Radio 6 that I became aware of this incredible 1976 session. Recorded in Berekely, Ca. at the now-closed Fantasy Studios, and featuring a lineup full of jazz greats that included Airto Moreira, Egberto Gismonti, Hermeto Pascoal, and George Duke, the music nicely fuses together Brazilian and Latin rhythms with electric-based jazz melodies.

Arthur Verocai — “Na Boca Do Sol”
(1972 / Continental)

Even though by now, I most definitely would have learned about this album from many different sources, however many years ago I first was introduced to it through one of Gilles’ radio shows (at least that’s what I think I remember). I could of chosen any of the ten tracks from this holy of “holy-grail” recordings, however I became extremely drawn to the album after hearing the beautifully epic “Na Boca Do Sol.” The music featured on this album takes you on a drawn out journey that you never want to get off of, featuring both uptempo and drawn out moments fusing together jazz, samba, and folk-like melodies using large string arrangements and Brazilian-rooted instrumentation. Quite possibly my personal favorite recording of all-time.

Lorez Alexandria — “Baltimore Oriole”
(1963 / Argo Jazz)

I’ve heard other renditions of “Baltimore Oriole,” however I was completely blown away by Lorez Alexandria’s version. Released on the 1963 For Swingers Only album, the track features her soulful vocals, backed by a funky percussive groove and a subtle flute melody, giving it a slightly haunting feel. After hearing this track, I dove into much more of the singer’s music, and I’m now convinced she is one of the most underrated jazz vocalists.

João Bosco — “O Ronco de Cuíca”
(1976 / RCA Victor)

Another incredible gem I was introduced to through Gilles’ ‘Jazz Jukebox’ session last April. Featured on the Brazilian singer/guitarist’s 1976 brilliant album Galos de Briga, “O Ronco de Cuíca” starts off with a live audience cheering that begins to transform into a swirling psychedelic trance before going into a funky samba groove. As soon as I heard this song, I knew I needed to own this record.

Jimmy Salcedo Y Su Onda Tres — “Maranguango”
(Release date unknown / Famoso)

An extremely obscure Latin gem from Columbian band leader Jimmy Salcedo. The track is so rare that it’s unknown when both the 45inch single and the full-length album, in which it’s also featured on, was even released. My thought is that it was probably mid to late seventies. Pure tropical dancefloor heat!

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J.R. Bailey — “Just Me ’N’ You”
(1974 / MAM)

A funky soul two-stepper from the singer’s highly rare 1974 album. I first heard this mid-tempo groover on Gilles’ now-classic Digs America—Brownswood U.S.A. compilation. That perfect soul jam for those more mellow warm summer nights. Still on the lookout for an original copy of this one.

Dee Edwards — “Why Can’t There Be Love”
(1971 / GM)

One of the greatest and most soulful songs I think I’ve ever heard. I was first introduced to this Detroit soul classic through Gilles Peterson’s brilliant 2007 Digs America 2 compilation. This is one of those songs that I believe is impossible not to dance to. An absolute all-timer!

Janet Lawson — “Dindi”
(1970 / United Artists Records)

Another great vocal jazz recording that I’ve heard Gilles play on a number of occasions. Written by Antônio Carlos Jobim, and featured as the b-side track to Lawson’s forty-five single Two Little Rooms, has a great Brazilian-influenced groove provided by a solid trio that includes Roland Hanna on electric piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Mel Lewis on drums.