Gilles Peterson

Presents The BBC Sessions

(Columbia)

Record Review by Daniel Brody

Gilles Peterson has had the sort of charmed career that effortlessly produces style and cool; starting out as a club DJ in the UK, he invented a whole genre of music (acid jazz) and popularized the music through his own record company of the same name.  He got involved with everything from drum ‘n bass to Blue Note reissues, garnering a reputation as one of Britain’s savviest musician/fans.  Where there is knowledge of obscure jazz musicians, there must be a bitchin’ record collection begging for some airwaves, and before long Peterson was DJing several radio shows in England, including most recently the Worldwide show on the BBC.

The two discs comprising The BBC Sessions have been culled from a wide array of performances by bands stopping by at the Beeb’s Maida Vale studios.  It’s a bit similar to “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” except with a much greater emphasis on jazz-kissed soul and hip-hop.  A few recognizable names stop by, like N.E.R.D. and the Roots, but mostly it’s a showcase for hip coffeehouse bands still searching for a big break.  The vibe on the album is very chilled out and comfortable; even the blander songs have enough cool electric piano and popping basslines to let the mellow atmosphere waft freely.  But the highlights break the mold: the Roots’ explosive “Melting Pot,” jam, on which lead MC Black Thought sounds like he’s breathing fire; Bjork’s sensual duet with human beatbox Rahzel; and Heritage Orchestra’s urban jazz soundscape “Telescopic,” a ten minute symphonic free-for-all that sounds like a cab ride through Manhattan.  More average tracks by relative unknowns such as Jazmine Sullivan and Plantlife become necessary breathers in this context, and the whole project feels revelatory without being off-putting.

Two discs of this stuff may seem imposing, but this has some dynamite live performances from some of the most innovative and energetic musicians around, and even the less interesting tracks are classy and professional.  There are a couple of new favorite bands on this album for everyone to discover, or, at the very least, enjoy as part of a pretty good make-out record.