Disco sounds from the Caribbean scene
of the 70s – a really unique mix
of regional styles with the kind
of rhythms that were coming from New York and Philly at the time! The groove here is really unique – even different than some
of the reggae or African disco numbers
of the time – as the sunny style
of Trinidad & Tobago and other islands turns out to be a perfect fit for clubby elements – mixing riffing instrumentation with playful lyrics that would have been right at home in older musical modes, but which are tuned just right here to match the energy
of the disco generation. And these cuts have an appeal that goes way beyond any sense
of novelty or gimmick – often served up with a
soulfulness that meets or beats mainstream US disco
of the period. Hats off to
Cultures of Soul for bringing all these great grooves together – on a set that includes "Dance With Me" by Odessey One, "Feel Like Dancing" by Levi John, "Instant Funk" by Merchant, Be Yourself" by Mighty Duke, "The Rebels" and "Living On A String" by Wild Fire, "Peace Without Love" by Ronnie Butler And The Ramblers, "Rockers Delight" by Prince Blackman (a nicely simmering Jamaican funk take on "Rappers Delight"), "Got To Have You" by Joanne Wilson, "Disco Music" by Trinadad Troubadours – plus the bonus tracks "Got To Have You (Whiskey Barons Rework)" and "Dance With Me (Al Kent Version)" by Odessey One.
(Cover has bumped corners.)