All Categories — All Formats  

Nothing creeping up here – as the album takes off right from the first note, into a joyous groove that's mighty nice! The group are billed as "the youngest Latin Orchestra in the world" in the notes – and there's definitely a feel here that reflects that fact – a fresh kind of energy that still hangs onto some of the more soulful elements of late 60s Latin, yet moves things forward towards the 70s salsa generation – not as concerned with easy labels as the group is with hitting a groove! Tony Pabon gives the record some sharp musical direction – similar to his own great records of the time – and the group's led by trumpeter Gus Colon, who gets in plenty of sweet licks! Vocals are by Tony Pabon and Nestor Sanchez – and titles include "Vivir La Vida Otra Vez", "La Gente Critica", "Ojos Que No Ven", "Ven Y Vacila", "Martillo Y Clavo", "Odio Y Falsedad", and "Llego Para Quedarse".

A killer batch of boogaloo and Latin Soul – and a set that even features 2 unissued gems from the vaults of Fania Records! As with the previous entry in this series, the sound here is plenty darn soulful throughout – lyrics that are often in English, and rhythms that borrow heavily from American funk and soul of the late 60s – mixing African-American musical styles with Puerto Rican and Cuban elements – all to come up with a groove that's as fresh today as it was back in the Spanish Harlem scene of the time! Previously unreleased tracks include "Evil Ways" by Pete & Louie, and the full length version of "O Elefante" by Ray Barretto – and other tunes include "Rise Up" by Orchestra Harlow, "Safari" by Tito Puente, "Revolucionando" by New Swing Sextet, "Times Are Changing" by Jimmy Sabater, "MC2" by Willie Colon, "Crystal Blue Persuasion" by Joe Bataan, "Musica Del Alma" by TNT Boys, "Here Comes The Judge" by Pete Rodriguez, "Ape Walk" by Al Escobar, and "Rat Race" by Ralfi Pagan.

Two groundbreaking collections in one cool package! Volume 3 is one of our favorite volumes in the London Is The Place For Me collection – and a brilliant batch of work that criss-crosses West African, West Indian, and postwar jazz styles! Most of the recordings here were done under the leadership of Ambrose Adekoya Campbell – a transplant to London from Lagos in the postwar year, and an artist who had a huge influence on the changing rhythms of his scene. Campbell mixed styles of his roots with those of the larger London community around him – in a way that let in more Latin and Caribbean influences to more traditional African styles – often using guitar in a high-life styled way, but also bringing in some key jazz phrasings as well. Titles include "We Have It In Africa", "Iku Koni Payin", "I Am A Stranger", "Lagos Mambo", "Ela Da Awa", "and "Calabar-O" by West African Rhythm Brothers; "The Wind In A Frolic" and "Unity" by Nigerian Union Rhythm Group; "Ibikunle Alakija" by Ayinde Bakare & His Meranda Orchestra; and "Late Ojo Davies" and "Geneva Conference" by West African Rhythm Stars. Volume 4 features a collection of incredible work from the postwar, post-colonial years in the UK! As with other volumes, there's an array of Carribean and African influences at work here – often highly rhythmic and performed with lots of percussion, but also served up in ways that has the original modes coming into contact with more contemporary UK styles! Most of the work here was recorded in London, but overflowing with global styles that include mentos, high life, calypso, Latin, and even a bit of jazz – played by an array of artists who all found new means of expression in the capital. Titles include "Mambo Indio" by Shake Keane, "Alphonso In Town" by Lord Kitchener, "Give Her The No 1" by Eric Hayden, "Khauleza" by Dorothy Masuka, "Chicken & Rice" by Young Tiger, "Egyptian Bint Al Cha Cha" by Ginger Johnson, "Don't You Go Away" by Cab Kaye, "Highlife Piccadilly" by The African Messengers, "Darling Don't Say No" by Nat Akins, "African Jazz Cha Cha" by Ginger Johnson, "Piccadilly Folk" by Lord Kitchener, and "Ilu Oyinbo Dara" by Victor Coker.