New Album "Havana Cultura: The Search Continues"

This time, we were joined by Gilles Peterson, who offered insights into his Cuban music project Havana Cultura's second installment, "Havana Cultura: The Search Continues," scheduled for release in November. He shared his personal favorite tracks from the album. He also discussed the latest compilation, "Brownswood Bubblers," which features fresh selections across soul, folk, jazz, and dance music, chosen by him regardless of the artists' fame.


He also commented on the future of his independent label, Brownswood Recordings, and shared his thoughts on Japan post-earthquake, based on his own observations. Due to time constraints on the program, I could only present a summary here. However, OPENERS is publishing the full transcript. Please enjoy.



REVIEW | TRACK LIST


01. Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band / La Vida (Brownswood / Beat)

02. Afrikun / Kimbiseros (Brownswood / Beat)

03. Gilles Peterson's Havana Cultura Band / Orisa (Brownswood / Beat)

04. Tall Black Guy / Water No Enemy (Brownswood / Beat)

05. Cleveland & Ahmed / Sensitive Cleveland & Ahmed (Brownswood / Beat)

06. Zara McFarlane / Desire (Brownswood / Beat)

07. Gang Colours Fancy Restaurant (Brownswood / Beat)

"Havana Cultura Volume.2" Completed

The first "Havana Cultura" was a new experience for me. It was my first trip to Cuba and my first time producing an album. The response to the album was positive, and the live performances in Europe were well-received. I also made a solo album with D'Nay, one of the singers on the album. She seems to be finding success in France now.


My Cuban story continues to unfold, deepening my connection with the Havana Cultura Band. They approached me about creating a second volume. After running the London Marathon and preparing myself, I made three trips to Cuba for the recording. Some parts of the album were recorded with Roberto Fonseca, others with Roberto Carcasses. I also worked with two new producers, Simbad and Vince Vella. This time, I wanted to incorporate a bigger, more contemporary sound.

"Havana Cultura Volume.2" is a Double Album!

The first album could have been recorded anytime between the 1970s and 2000, but this new album feels more 2012, more contemporary. I recorded the backing tracks during my first visit to Cuba in January, then brought them back to London, looped them, and finished with a more hip-hop-style production.


I also brought Mala with me to Cuba. He's a very spiritual dubstep producer from Jamaica who organizes DMZ, London's best dubstep night. I thought it would be a good idea to bring a Jamaican element to Cuba, as they are neighbors (laughs). I wanted to create new reggaeton.

Various Artists / Gilles Peterson Presents Havana Cultura The Search Continues (Brownswood) BRC-311

This time, I organized two studios. One was for my own recordings with various musicians. The other was for Mala to create his version. So, there are two versions of this album. Mala's version is scheduled for release in January 2012, and mine in November of this year.

Collaborations with Wonderful Guest Artists

The album features many new guests. First, Los Aldeanos. He's a hip-hop genius. I'm proud to have him on the album! Then there's D'Nay again, and another fantastic rumba singer, Drusil. He's performed with many musicians, including Chucho Valdés, and is a truly accomplished artist. We needed a rumba vibe for this album, and that required a more authentic vocal.


Then there's Osdalgia. She's the girlfriend of Edgaro from Doble Filo, and he's also participating in this album. She has a deeper, soulful sound... perhaps like Cuba's Chaka Khan or Jocelyn Brown? In any case, it's a fantastic sound. And of course, Arema. Arema was a new discovery for me. She's like Lauryn Hill and Joni Mitchell combined, but in a Cuban style (laughs).


This double album consists of one new part, which I produced with Simbad and Vince, and another compilation. My journey in Cuba continues, as does the pursuit. We are always searching for a new generation of Cuban artists. I hope everyone enjoys the album.

Compilation Album "Brownswood Bubblers 7"

"Brownswood Bubblers" is a series I've been running since the inception of Brownswood. Its purpose is to release electronic soul music, and it's essentially a compilation album of music not yet released on albums. I gather cool tracks found online or on MP3s, new groups, anything I discover that's fresh.


Even though it's new, genres like soul and jazz are traditional music. These are creators making more classic sounds, not musicians from house, dubstep, or drum and bass. This latest installment also features many new, interesting, and high-quality new groups.

Spotlighting the New Generation

Various Artists / Brownswood Bubblers Seven (Brownswood) BRBW075

For example, Chris Turner. He's Bilal's backing vocalist and always sends us music when he comes to London. We play it on the radio. The Park is a fantastic group from San Francisco. They provide backing vocals for many soul musicians, including Alice Russell.



The Stepkids are great too! They're signed to Stones Throw, and their music is psychedelic soul. Their track "La La" reminds me of Rotary Connection. It seems to have a vibe that resonates with me. Ivy Chanel, an American singer produced by Omar, has a track that's bossa nova soul-like and very cool!

And then there's a new group called KING, introduced by Erykah Badu herself. They're based in Los Angeles now and I think they're going to be huge.

Obenewa, She's Amazing!

One of the artists making waves now is Jesse Boykins III. He's another promising talent who performs with various artists. There's also a British artist named Tanya Auclair, introduced by Michael Rutten. Her music is reminiscent of Matthew Herbert and is very interesting. And the group Stealing Sheep is a personal favorite of mine! They have a folk-soul music feel.


And then there's Obenewa. She's amazing! She's a vocalist from London who also collaborates with Dego, and her music is also quite folky. My favorite track on this album is by Cleveland & Ahmed. This track is truly beautiful, and the real strings are irresistible. It's a song that already deserves to be called their masterpiece, perhaps something they'll never be able to top.


I'm really satisfied with this album, which is packed with so much content. I'm happy to share the tracks I love and play on the radio with everyone! It's turned out to be a really enjoyable album.

The Future of the Independent Label Brownswood Recordings

We've been incredibly busy. The record label Brownswood is so much fun! We're currently rebuilding the studio, and next year we'll have a brand-new home base. So, for now, everyone's staying in hotels (laughs). It's been a very busy few years with so many records released.

Owiny Sigoma Band

Ghostpoet

We have a fantastic singer on the label right now, Zara McFarlane. Her work will be released very, very soon. I absolutely love jazz, traditional and classic jazz. She has created an incredibly wonderful jazz record. When I first heard it, I felt it was similar to Jose James, reminiscent of his work "The Dreamer."

Zara McFarlane

Zara McFarlane / Until Tomorrow
(Brownswood) BRWW070

Gang Colours

Gang Colours is deeply involved with Brownswood's electronic series. They are a truly talented artist creating a more downbeat, ambient, and experimental sound, which could be described as London's new post-dubstep sound. We're also currently recording D'Nay's new album. It's an exciting time for a small record label.

Finally, To Everyone in Japan

While I organize events in London, we are actually planning events in Japan as well. Everyone is praying for Japan and thinking of Japan. I hope everyone becomes stronger and recovers quickly. I believe this event has given everyone a reason to think about what's happening, to pay attention, and to check in. It's a time to consider who is in control, who controls your life, and what will happen next. And then, to move forward.





──Thank you.

Toshio Matsuura's "TOKYO MOON"

Every Sunday 24:00-24:30 ON AIR
Inter FM 76.1MHz

Send your messages for "TOKYO MOON" here
moon@interfm.jp

Inter FM 76.1MHz
www.interfm.co.jp