Summertime. That can only mean three things – The living is easy, huge sportingevents and music festivals. So how does this connect within the context of ‘Family Trees’ you may ask? It’s simple, Gilles Peterson. The London based DJ, radio presenter and all-round tastemaker has produced a startling aural companion to this year’s massive sporting event (that’s the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, in case you didn’t know!). Earlier this year Peterson travelled to Brazil with the intention of producing an album that would capture as many elements of that country’s wide spectrum of sounds. The result of this endeavour is ‘Sonzeira – Brasil Bam Bam Bam’ (Talkin’ Loud). The range of musical styles is as vast as the country itself; there are touches of samba, bossa, batucada, tropicalia and much, much more. The cast of artists contributing to the project includes Brazilian legends such as Seu Jorge and Nana Vasconcelos. The nicest surprise is a Brazilian reworking of 80s dance floor classic ‘Southern Freeeze’.

 

The Peterson effect arrives in our region in early July when he presents the latest version of his Worldwide Music Festival at Sète (30th June – 6th July). Drop by to catch live sets from artists that you probably don’t yet know but are likely to be making waves in the music world over the next year. Gilles will, of course, be behind the decks ensuring that the crowd keeps moving. Don’t forget, as mentioned in our previous column, to stay around in Sète for the jazz festival later in July. Highlights are sure to include performances from John Scofield’s Uberjam Band (15th) and the wonderfully soulful vocals of Gregory Porter (17th).

 

Sticking with the Gilles Peterson family tree, watch out for the new release by Brooklyn-based vocalist Jose James, ‘While You Were Sleeping’ (Blue Note). This is James’ fifth album to date and shows a further development in his musical journey.

James got his first break from – you guessed it – Gilles Peterson! His first two albums caused a bit of a stir when they were released on Gilles’ Brownswood record Label (remember my album of the year so far by Zara McFarlane is also on Brownswood). Jose now finds himself sitting pretty at the spiritual home of all true jazz lovers – Blue Note records. His new offering builds on the laid back vibe set by last year’s ‘No Beginning No End’ by revealing a more diverse range of styles. There are now rockier elements, thanks to the addition of a guitarist to his regular working band. The album highlight is, ironically, not one of James’ own compositions but a glorious version of Al Green’s classic ‘But Beautiful’.

 

Last month I talked about going to see Cecile McLorin Salvant at “ Sortie Ouest “ in Béziers and about having interviewed her on the telephone . Well Cecile definitely didn’t disappoint and shoots straight to number one in the Pullen Voice competition but I would have preferred her to be a little more modern in her choice of material - she proved that she can sing like an angel so it would have been a gas to hear her try some newer and riskier stuff - Aaron Diehl on the piano was a particular joy and you should check out his trio if you get a chance (www.aarondiehl.com )

 

See you all in Sète ?