A pioneering dubstep producer being featured as part of the London Jazz Festival might seem strange from the outside. However, Mala has a habit of breaking moulds.
2010 was a productive year for Gilles Peterson’s label Brownswood Recordings, a highlight being the release of the Havana Cultura Remix album and accompanying tour. 2011 gets off to a promising start as Peterson and co launch the Worldwide Family compilation series. Brownswood hand over the controls to respected friends of the label, asking them to compile a collection of the tastiest beats around. Doing the honours this time are DJs Lefto and Simbad, who give us a very appealing mix of futuristic soul, electro-funk and melodious house.
Black Magic is José James' second album, released on Brownswood Recordings and includes collaborations by an impressive set of out-wordly beat makers such as Flying Lotus, DJ Mitsu the Beats, Benga, Moodyman, BiLo, Taylor McFerrin and remix creatives Simbad and Joy Orbinson, also featuring Jordana De Lovely, a talented up and coming NYC based vocalist and songwriter.