Fania Records Releases Compilation Produced by Influential British DJ Gilles Peterson

Fania Records has released the the first tile of its International DJ collection with a compilation by Gilles Peterson. This is the first Latin compilation for the British musical tastemaker, whose is widely acclaimed for unearthing and compiling some of the finest music from around the world. Peterson assembled 26 tracks in this double CD production, the first in a three part International DJ series for the famed Latin label.

“We are very excited about the launch of the first international DJ release,” said Giora Breil, C.E.O of Fania Records. “With his exceptional ability to select and blend tracks, Gilles Peterson has put together one of the best collections of Latin music, highlighting some of the finest gems from the prolific Fania catalog of music.”

“This is my first Latin compilation, and I’m proud of it. I must have listened to 200 albums to get to this,” added Peterson. “These are all tried and tested cuts and some of finest moments from the collective of labels that were Fania, Tico, Alegre and Cotique.”

Fania DJ Series, Gilles Peterson was originally released in Europe in 2007 and has now become available to U.S. audiences. The second release in the series will feature rising pioneer and vinyl fanatic Matt Ford, aka DJ Format, who has a solid name as a DJ and remixer and hails from the UK as well.

Gilles Peterson is an influential British DJ and record-label owner. Through his labels Acid Jazz and Talkin’ Loud, Peterson has been associated with the careers of countless artists. Well known as a radio DJ, Peterson hosts the worldwide radio show on BBC radio 1, which is also broadcast live from the Radio 1 website and is syndicated to radio stations all over the world. Peterson is known for his eclectic musical selections, spreading his influence on music listeners around the world. His wide musical collection includes everything from dub and reggae to jazz, nu-jazz, soul, neo soul, R&B, to name just a few musical genres.

Fania DJ Series, Gilles Petersonn contains vocal and instrumental tracks from such legends as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Roberto Roena, and Eddie Palmieri, among others. The compilation also includes a write up by Peterson.

Fania artists mixed a cornucopia of styles that transcended the boundaries of traditional Latin music and set the path for the genres of salsa, boogaloo, Latin R&B, and afro-Cuban jazz. Throughout its forty-two year history, Fania has been home to some of the greatest Latin musicians in the history of 20th century music. Johnny Pacheco, Ray Barretto, Joe Cuba, Joe Bataan, Larry Harlow, Willie Colón, Héctor Lavoe, Rubén Blades and Celia Cruz are just a few of the musical legends that form part of the Fania legacy.

Buy the CD:

• In North America: Fania DJ Series, Gilles Peterson
• In Europe: Fania DJ Series – Gilles Peterson

Track Listing

CD 1
1. “Wata Wasuri” by Tito Puente
2. “Chinito Boogaloo” by Rafael Cotijo
3. “Rush Hour in Hong Kong” by Louie Ramirez
4. “Shades of Time” by Roberto Roena
5. “Coco Seco” by Bobby Valentin
6. “Mi Mambo Conga” by Eddie Palmieri
7. “Ya Yi Ki” by Johnny Colón
8. “Mambo de Bataan” by Joe Bataan
9. “Latin Soul Drive is Here (Progresso Del Alma Latina)” by Chollo Rivera
10. “Tighten Up” by Al Escobar & His Orchestra
11. “Freak Off” by Orquesta Harlow
12. “Acid” by Ray Baretto

CD 2
1. “Saona” by Noro Morales
2. “Lluvia Con Nieve” by Efrain “Mon” Rivera
3. “Sandstorm” by Charlie Palmieri
4. “Last Tango in Paris” by Willie Rosario
5. “Mambo Moderno” by Vladimir & His Orchestra
6. “Vitamina” by Kako
7. “El Molestoso” by Eddie Palmieri
8. “El Rey Del Timbal” by Tito Puente
9. “The Oracle” by Sabu Martinez
10. “Manteca” by Alegre All Stars
11. “La Odisea de Tito” by Tito Puente