Gilles Peterson

Gilles Peterson's latest compilation may disappoint fans of his rarer-than-rare-groove tastes, but its still makes for a strong mix. The double-disc DJ session, divided into sets titled "AM" and "PM," showcases Peterson's in-demand eclectic style. "AM" begins with dance/jazz classics like George Benson's "The Ghetto/El Barrio" and Roy Ayer's "We Live In Brooklyn Baby" setting the stage for the off-beat house flavours on Mystereum's "Lonely Can Be Sweet" (featuring gentle monologues from poetess Ursula Rucker) and Vikter Duplaix's "Manhood," before hitting dark, drum & bass rhythms with the Binary Brothers and Calrity's "Thinking Louder." The "PM" side is more melancholic and contemplative, with the sombre, jazz like Don Rendell and Ian Carr's "Blue Mosque," and Koop's "Waltz For Koop." Kelis's break-up blues on "Suspended" is a surprise selection, while Sarah Vaughan's "The Mystery Of Man" makes for probably one of the most stirring intros to any DJ mix. Peterson's mixing isn't technically flamboyant, but he navigates a beautiful flow that ultimately makes up for the fact that there are few of the rare Japanese and Brazilian favourites that most of us would come to expect on any compilation to feature his name.