Includes tracks by Tito Puente, Joe Cuba, Cachao, Bobby Tauneto, and more. CD

An incredible album – and a real surprise in the catalog of Harold Vick, one of those players who just gets hipper the more you listen to him! Harold's working here with a really great group that includes Bobby Hutcherson, Blue Mitchell, Montego Joe, Walter Booker, and Mickey Roker – all of whom perform the extended "Carribean Suite", a long Latin-tinged piece written by Kenny Graham – the famous 50s British leader who's work with Afro-Cuban jazz was as important to the London scene as the work of Dizzy Gillespie and Chano Pozo was to that of New York! The album's filled with fire and some very unusual twists – and titles include "Letitia", "Dance Of The Zombies", "Haitian Ritual", "Beguine", "Mango Walk", "Bongo Chant", and "Wha Hupp'n". CD

A classic album from one of the hippest groups on the UK scene of the 50s – Kenny Graham's excellent Afro-Cubists ensemble – an outfit with a sound as great as its name! There's a fair bit of percussion in the approach here – a sound that's definitely informed by the Cubop experiments of Dizzy Gillespie, Machito, and others on the US scene at the end of the 40s – and the music also features some slightly more exotic touches too, served up with an especially well-arranged approach to the horns. In addition to Graham's strong work on tenor, other players on the date include Stan Tracey on piano and vibes, Joe Hunter on trumpet, and Phil Seamen on drums – on titles that include "I'll Get By", "Olwen's Dream", "Swallowin The Blues", "Cuban Fantasy", "Rockin In Rhythm", and "Bongo Chant". CD features 4 bonus tracks – 2 from the album Tenorama, "Teddy Boy" and "Poinciana" – and 2 more from All The Winners, "Mood Indigo" and "Top Score" – played by the Melody Maker All Stars. CD

Includes the beautiful long "Afro Cuban Jazz Suite"! Composed, arranged, and conducted by Arturo (Chico) O'Farrill the Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band. Arturo O'Farrill, piano and musical director with John Benitez, Steve Berrios, Peter Brainin, Sam Burtis, Jimmy Cozier, Andy Gonzalez, Joe Gonzalez, Graciela, Roland Guerrero, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Matt Hilgenberg, Jack Jeffers, Victor Jones, Marshall McDonald, Mike Migliore, Michael Mossman, Mario Rivera, Jon Owens, Jim Seeley, Max Schsweiger, Gary Valente, and Papo Vasquez. CD