Latin — All Formats  

A Latin classic from the word "bang"! This album was the one that busted Joe Cuba out of the Latin ghetto – into the sound of 60s soul, early funk, and beyond. The record's a stone winner – filled with boogaloo tracks delivered by Joe's firey young sextet, a killer ensemble that was setting the Latin world on its ear at the time. The title track – "Bang Bang" – is one of those tracks that you'll recognize from a million references, but which never sounds as good as it does on this impeccable version from Joe. The whole album follows in a similar suit – blending Latin, jazz, and soul with effortless ease – shifting between English and Spanish lyrics in a genre-busting style that really captures all the freshness of the era. The whole thing's great, and titles include "Asi Soy", "Alafia", "Triste", "Mujer Divina", "Oh Yeah", "Sock It To Me", and the "Bang Bang" follow-up, "Push, Push, Push". Great, hard, and a heck of a lot of fun!

A lost Latin cooker from Alfredito Linares – recorded in Peru during the early 70s, but with a vibe that's right up there with the best New York albums from the Latin Soul scene of the late 60s! Like other South American sets from the time, this one holds onto a groove that American Latin acts had already discarded – a tight mix of boogaloo and other soulful styles that are very heavy on the rhythms – played by a small combo with a joyous, energetic vibe! There's loads of dark piano lines dipping and turning alongside the rhythms – really giving the record a sinister undercurrent – and the horn parts are tight, but never dominate too much – leaving room for the Spanish language vocals over the top. Titles include "Boogaloo Girl", "Guaguanco En Onda", "Recuerdame", "Pa Juga Nama", "A Los Timbaleros", "La Salsa Va A Comenzar", and "Macchu Picchu". CD also features 2 bonus cuts – "Yo No Soy Guapo" and "Sujetate La Lengua".