VA - Impressed 1 & 2 With Gilles Peterson (2002 & 2004)

Talkin' Loud Records' big cheese is back to offer us another glimpse into his record collection, and for a change the opportunity to find out a little more about British Jazz from the 1960s. Given that British Jazz from this period is all but forgotten by most of us, Peterson shows that there was a treasure trove here on the grey side of the Atlantic to rival America's output.

Most of the names on this compilation will be new to many, with the possible exceptions of Tubby Hayes (featured here on Vibraphone rather than his usual Tenor Sax) or pianist/composer Michael Garrick, and a variety of styles are accounted for. From the hard bop of Ronnie Ross' "Cleopatra's Needle" to Garrick's modal workouts and even--on Joe Harriot and Amancio D' Silva's Gabor Szabo-esque "Jaipur"--a smattering of scatmanship, underscored by an eastern swing.

Peterson likes to keep things recognisably in the "cool" side with electric piano, vibes and muted trumpets as the most prominent lead instruments. He saves the best for last however, with the achingly beautiful "Lullaby for a Lonely Child" by Graham Collier and the Coltrane-influenced jazz waltz of "Dusk" where Don Rendell's soprano saxophone and Ian Carr's flugal horn trade with each other to catch the last glimpse of twilight. --Robert Smoughton

Impressed with Gilles Peterson Vol 2 is the second volume of unique, rare and beautiful British jazz from the renowned Radio One international DJ. This album sees him uncover more exceptional UK jazz, this time from the 60s and 70s. Featuring landmark recordings, elusive rarities and previously unreleased exclusives, Impressed Vol 2 builds on the success of the first volume, with many of the tracks reissued for the first time since their original release.