Gilles Peterson

On pace in 2003 to at least equal his prolific (nearly to a fault) mix-disc output of 2002, Gilles Peterson presents the third installment of his Worldwide series, which once again reflects the breadth of his Radio 1 show. If your three favorite adjectives when it comes to music are soulful, tasteful, and jazzy, Peterson remains your man, and his balance between up-to-date developments and undervalued pieces of the past remains as in place as ever. Fittingly, the first track is by the Detroit Experiment, a cross-generational collaboration that Peterson could've only dreamed of prior to it becoming a reality. Their version of Marcus Belgrave's "Space Odyssey" (with the composer reprising his role on trumpet) is cut short to make way for 2 Banks of 4's yet-to-be-issued "One Day," an uplifting, summery shuffle that features a stunning performance from Valerie Etienne. From there, Peterson goes back and forth between the old and the new. A back-to-back pairing of Jermaine Jackson's "You Like Me Don't You" and Marvin Gaye's "Heavy Love Affair" is inspired, highlighting the oft-forgotten Motown of the early '80s. From the younger generation, the key inclusion is Kelis' "Little Suzie" -- who knew that a Peterson mix would ever feature a Neptunes production? While generally enjoyable, the main stumbling block -- Peterson's common foible -- is the occasional inclusion that is so smoothed out that it barely exists. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide