The Kings Of… series continues bringing you forgotten and neglected gems from the world of music. This, the fifth volume, ventures into the world of Jazz. Influential DJ/Broadcaster Gilles Peterson pairs up with producer/remixer collective Jazzanova to bring you a selection of their top tracks across 2 CD’s. CD1 is Gilles Peterson’s selection, “The History” where he delves deep into his own extensive library, digging up tracks that range from early work like the blues-tinged saxophone recording of John Coltrane and the amazing piano of Bill Evans (which ends the CD perfectly) to up-tempo pieces such as “Anthenagin” and a laid-back version of “My Favorite Things” by Mark Murphy. Peterson visits every decade from the 50’s to the 80’s and turns up an array of under-appreciated tracks by some of the most important names in Jazz. CD 2 is Jazzanova’s selection: “The Present”, this disc takes on the contemporary styles influenced by Jazz from Broken Beat to Jazz-House and Electronica, featuring a wonderful re-working of Goldies ‘Inner City Life’ by [re:jazz], 4 Hero and The Matthew Herbert Big Band – ‘Everything’s Changed’. A truly stunning collection of music covering almost half a century.
Martin Madigan
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Martin Madigan
