Brownswood Recordings

Summary: Welcome to Brownswood Recordings, the London-based indie label from globe trotting purveyor of all sounds soulful and inspired, Gilles Peterson. We opened our doors in 2006 with the simple aim of releasing good new music, music with soul – no matter where it’s from or what the style. And what a journey it’s been since then. Gilles is still flying around, dropping unexpected dancefloor gems on party people around the world. And his Worldwide show on BBC Radio 1 is still a weekly staple for music heads tuning in for anything from vintage folk to dubstep. Meanwhile Brownswood has released a stream of new music. A series of brilliant snapshots in sound is one way to give a flavour: Gilles chancing upon the beauty of Elan Mehler’s piano composition in the foyer of an elegant Swiss hotel; Gilles first hearing a Ben Westbeech demo - Bristol beat-head with the voice of an angel and an ear for a heart-catching tune – on his car stereo outside a club at 4am. And pretty promptly signing him. Our satisfaction at getting all 44 members of The Heritage Orchestra on to the stage, and no one falling off, at the Cargo album launch. Dancing round the office when the Osunlade mixes of Ben Westbeech’s So Good Today first came in. Watching the Japanese crazers SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS take their first Glastonbury in their stride and draw a huge crowd to the Jazz Stage for a Death Jazz in the mud extravaganza. To be honest, seeing SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS play anything, anywhere has been unforgettable. The whole Brownswood Family decamping to Sête in the South of France for the Worldwide Festival each summer: Watching José James deliver his version of Coltrane’s Equinox with the glittering sea behind, as the sun sets over the open air ampitheatre. Picking out the freshest of new tunes with which to bless the Bubblers compilation series. Crossing Europe with our 2007 Brownswood Loves Jazz tour. Recently starting up a regular montly Brownswood night at Nublu in New York City. It’s all go. It’s all been great fun, and there’s more to come. 2008 brings the eagerly anticipated debut album from New York jazz vocalist José James. It’s the culmination of two years work with José and we’re more than excited. In fact we’d humbly suggest, it’s not overstating it to say he’s a singular voice and the record he’s delivered is nothing short of a masterpiece. You’ve been warned. Keep an eye out for UK live dates. We’re busy gathering the latest in freshness for a new Bubblers compilation, looking forward to another summer of musical fun in Sête (come join us this time!, and generally beavering away to continue to bring you some damn fine music. Keep listening.