Kokolo do a great job of mixing up modes here – but maybe that's no surprise, as producer/singer Ray Lugo's been giving us great work for many many years – the kind of globe-opening grooves that really marks a generation who were raised on equal parts American funk and overseas modes! Those influences share center stage here – in grooves that are a bit Latin, a bit Afro-styled, and always pretty darn funky – topped with tight horns, but really driven from the bottom by the basslines and percussion. Titles include "Ethiopia", "How We Gonna Work It Out", "Ghost Riders", "100 Fevers", "La Buena Fe", "The Big Bamboo", and "Afrika Man". (Global Grooves, Deep Funk) LP, Vinyl record album

A contemporary salsa group, but one with a really classic New York vibe – a no-nonsense approach that focuses both on the excellent vocals of leader Jose Conde, and on the rhythmic interplay from the members o fthe group! The lineup features two trombones – in a bold, soulful style that echoes older music from Willie Colon – but all the musicians have a much more contemporary sense of phrasing, and this complex approach that slide in modern currents that create a beautiful array of colors alongside the rhythms! The group also features trumpet, piano, and plenty of percussion – and titles include "Mulata", "Convivencia", "Elixer", "Bizcocho", "Bandera", "El Nino De La Clave", and "Pollitos De Primavera". (Latin, Deep Funk) LP, Vinyl record album

A great Miami group, and one who've got a sound that's way deeper than the "spam" in their name – a funky approach that draws equally on Latin roots, 70s funk, and some of the best contemporary inspiration – all of which fuses into a mighty sweet groove! Most of the set is instrumental, and instrumentation is a blend of the expected funky bass and drums, with lots of other percussion, guitar, keyboards, horns, and even some mighty nice violin – which almost gives some of the tracks a funky charanga mode. Some of the elements get nicely complex as the set moves on – and titles include "Ruby Carat", "Satellite", "Around The Track", "Trans-Oceanic", and "La Concha". LP, Vinyl record album

The True Tones provide soul singer Michelle David with some great backings here – a romping sort of groove on most tracks, and one that bristles with plenty of old school instrumental touches that seem to really spur the vocalist forward! Michelle's got a dynamic style that owes a lot to late 60s funk diva styles – a power and focus that really provides some great energy at the top of the group, and a vocal range that really crackles over the top when she lets loose! Titles include "Let Me Tell It", "Karma", "Peace", "Cold Cold World", "Little Girl", "That Is You", "Brothers & Sisters", "If You Don't Try", "More Grace", and "PUSH". LP, Vinyl record album

The True Tones provide soul singer Michelle David with some great backings here – a romping sort of groove on most tracks, and one that bristles with plenty of old school instrumental touches that seem to really spur the vocalist forward! Michelle's got a dynamic style that owes a lot to late 60s funk diva styles – a power and focus that really provides some great energy at the top of the group, and a vocal range that really crackles over the top when she lets loose! Titles include "Let Me Tell It", "Karma", "Peace", "Cold Cold World", "Little Girl", "That Is You", "Brothers & Sisters", "If You Don't Try", "More Grace", and "PUSH". CD