Gilles Peterson
The UK pillar of all things soulful, jazzy and fresh brings his musical Midas touch to Ebisu

Courtesy of Sha-la-la Company

A vinyl collector of gargantuan proportions
and champion of the international sounds of the underground, Gilles Peterson has for years globetrotted and discovered the best of the acid jazz, reggae, dub, soul and hip hop scenes. Best known for his “Worldwide” shows on the UK’s Radio 1 and various club residencies in which he mixes commercial, underground and even pirate projects, Peterson has also of late launched his Brownswood label to huge critical acclaim. Here in Japan, his “Worldwide” shows appear regularly on J-Wave (81.3 FM), featuring fresh local and international material. Metropolis caught up with the man himself shortly before his upcoming showcase at Ebisu Liquidroom...

What was the concept behind the radio program, and how has Japan responded?
I’m amazed at the reaction to the J-Wave Worldwide shows. I mean, playing that kind of music on drive time is incredible—especially on such a successful station. They should do the same thing on radio 1 in the UK! The idea is to slip three or four exciting new edge bits of music everyday Monday-Thursday. It allows me to introduce artists like Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and Lupe Fiasco to the Japanese market.

How do UK and Japanese audiences respond differently to the music you showcase?
It’s all a matter of time. You see, there’s always been a great scene for the jazzier side of things in Japan—from back in the day till now—but the Worldwide 15 thing has taken the music to a wider, younger market, which is really important for all scenes to move forward.

Can you tell us a little about the upcoming event at Liquidroom?
Jazztronik, Jam feat. Jose James, Afrorocks—all live! Jazztronik is a legend from his early music like “Inner Flight,” all the way through to his latest CD; Jam are the Soil and Pimp rhythm section—their debut album is melodic and swings hard. They’ll be joined by Jose James, my new signing to Brownswood records—a great singer! And Afrorocks is the first Japanese afrobeat band that I’ve ever heard; can’t wait to see them. Plus a jazz DJ soundclash featuring people like Raphael Sebbag, the Jazz Brothers and Aatcho from Soil and Pimp. Gonna be a big night!

Jose James on Brownswood has caught much attention in Europe. What can Tokyoites expect from him?
A dynamic and charming jazz-soul vocal embellishing the sweet beats of Jam. He’s a future star no doubt—catch him while he’s still on the rise.

Any Japanese artists that have grabbed your attention of late?
There’s always new stuff around; check my forthcoming Gilles Peterson in Japan compilation, which will feature a bunch of interesting new Japanese bands and producers.

J-Wave presents Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Showcase 2008@Ebisu Liquidroom, April 3. See club listing for details. See www.j-wave.co.jp/original/j-wavelounge/thu/ for information on Gilles Peterson’s J-Wave worldwide show.

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