BnB Interview: Gilles Peterson

Written by Manu Ekanayake

He's been avidly following pretty much any genre you can think for the past thirty years and as a result has developed himself into a living encyclopedia when it comes to quality house, jazz, bossa, and reggae amongst others. We're talking about Gilles Peterson, connoisseur extraordinaire, DJ, producer, radio host and the man you need to go see if your band needs a boost. Proof of Gilles' diverse taste in music is his acclaimed Worldwide show on BBC Radio 1 that's currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary. To conincide with the birthday bash, Gilles has mixed up an excellent 2-disc package featuring the likes of Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Dizzy Rascal, M.I.A., and Theo Parrish amongst many others, giving even deeper insight into his incredibly rich collection of all time classics. Out now on BBE Records, this release is one you can't afford to miss if you're in for an eclectic fuse of highly qualitative grooves of evergreen allure. Still not convinced? Check out our review of the compilation! Meanwhile, we went for a chat with the man himself to get to know more behind the legend that is Gilles Peterson. 

How did you discover jazz in the first place?
Pirate radio: Herbie Hancock shiftless shuffle on the Andy Jackson programme Radio Invicta 1980.

Why is jazz still so important in modern music?
Its the foundation to everything that takes a risk.

Regarding Worldwide, A Celebration...  how difficult was it assembling this compilation of tracks you’ve been the first to play?
I was lucky because I'd kept the all winners lists from the last 12 years which reminded me of so many of the songs - a few are missing though - St Germain Rose Rouge, Mos Def - Umi Says...but nearly all the ones I wanted are on there.

It’s great to see a Seun Kuti track on here, why do you like his music so much?
He does Fela very well!

Are there any less well-known artists from the compilation you think deserve more commercial success?
Little dragon, Darkstar...

M.I.A’s Galang is on here, are you a fan of her newer material?
Its ok... but maybe she's not as interested as she used to be.

Terry Farley regularly says on Faith that you play the best house music on Radio 1 – considering his own history in the genre, how does that make you feel?  And who’s making good house music these days in your opinion these days?
The best house is in Detroit for me - DJs like Theo Parrish - in Europe people like Floating Points and Motor City Drum Ensemble are continuing the heritage in the right way...big up Terry Farley (even if he is a Chelsea fan!)

As someone who came from the Rare Groove era of the 80s, how do you feel about some of the more recent revival events around, like Vintage @ Goodwood, Back II Boogie with Jazzie B and Vintage House Foundation at East Village (as helmed by Stuart Patterson)? Are they a good thing or just a re-hash for the old(er) heads?
Its all good fun..but I'm still living in the now so one dingwalls jazz event a year is enough for me!

What really happened to Acid Jazz, the label? (and the genre, for that matter?) Will we ever see a series of re-issues or a revival like we’ve seen with labels like Boy’s Own and Strictly Rhythm?
No idea  - you better ask Eddie Pillar about that - I'm looking to re master a bunch of talkin loud bits though.

Of all the acts you’ve helped break (not just those included here), who are you most proud of?
Not sure really - I get the most pleasure from the older heads who never really got the attention when they first came out - people like Steve Reid and Terry Callier...they are so much more grateful for the support they got from the younger generations.

How did the Worldwide festival come about?  Why Sète in the South of France as the venue? How’s it different to other music festivals?
The scene in the south west was good so I asked some Montpellier promoters if they knew any good places - thats how Sete came about - its a hidden gem! Its a small festival - we can't technically get more than 2000 as the main concert venue only holds that many.

What’s left for you to do, as a broadcaster / DJ / promoter etc?
Run a marathon followed by an 8 hour set...

To conclude, is there anything you’d like to share with our audience that we haven’t covered yet?
Loving DJ Deep's DJR-400 rotary mixer right now!