LATIN

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GILLES PETERSON Back in Brazil Ether ****

BBC broadcaster and worldwide club DJ Gilles Peterson has become something of a serial compiler in recent years, with dozens of these collections to his credit. While Peterson's name helming a set of Various Artists is obviously a commercial winner, it's also an indication that there's quality jazzy, soulful grooves ahead. Peterson's second jaunt to Brazil is split into two CDs, one clocking a look at the classics and one showing what some of the new Brazilian cats have to offer. There's much to admire here, be it the wonderful treatment of California Soul by Wilson De Neves, the bright, breezy scatting by Evinha on Que Baneira, or the wonderful rhythm that Orquestra St Moritz produce on Procura Se Uma Virgem. From the new school, it's cuts from Drumagick, Luisito and especially Se Jorge (the Life Aquatic crooner caught in fine fettle on E So Favela) that will have you humming. www.ethermusic.net

Jim Carroll