The only album ever issued by Matadi – a hip French group from those key post-colonial years on the Parisian scene, and one who serve up this wonderful blend of late 70s club and West African roots! The style is almost a few years ahead of its time – especially when compared to some of the groups who would break big on that early 80s moment of global circulation of new Afro-styled sounds – especially when some of the keyboards almost seem to hint at electro styles from years to come! Yet the overall approach is nice and warm, very 70s funky on most tracks – upbeat, and laced with guitar solos from Sammy Massamba, who put the whole thing together – on titles that include "Afro", "My Own Style", "Lode", "Viva Afrika", "Bola Bola", and "Timawok". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic look at the groundbreaking sounds of the Disques Debs label – one of the most important companies producing music in the French Caribbean – and an imprint whose impact was strongly felt on the other side of the Atlantic as well! The core of these grooves is that compelling biguine rhythm that flowed from Guadeloupe – almost a mix of Latin and jazz, but with a different sort of vibe of its own – which was then interwoven with elements from Cuban, European, and African styles amidst the initial decade or so of recordings on this set! Debs had strong ties with Paris, and a bit with the West African scene – and their recorded legacy almost follows old colonial paths, but in reverse – creating this wonderful criss-crossing of cultures amidst their grooves. The package is wonderful – loads of vintage photos and great notes in the best Strut Records way – and titles include "Douce Kombass" by Henri Debs Quintet, "Mr Morin" by Joseph Lacides, "Lan Mise" by Geno Exilie, "Feeling Happy" by Cyril Dias Et Son Orchestre, "Ces P'Tits Je T'Aime" by Daniel Forestal Et Sa Guitare, "Assez Fait Cancan" by Guy Conquette, "Stanislas" by Eric Virgal, "Meringue Mondey" by Remy Mondey, "Si I Bon Di I Bon" by Le Ry-Co Jazz, "Salvana" by Dolor Et Les Diables Du Rhythme, and "Van Van" by Henri Guedon Et Les Contesta. LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing blend of sounds – and way different than you might expect! Yes, the record was part of a big cash-in Zorba moment in the 60s – but it sounds incredible, with this really groundbreaking "jazz meets world" vibe that matches these snake alto solos from Phil Woods with really haunting sounds on bouzukie, dumbeg, and oud – plus added percussion and other instruments – all then held down by Fender bass from Chet Amsterdam and guitar from the great Stuart Scharf! The blend is amazing – much more like an MPS session from the time than Impulse – and tracks include "Zorba The Greek", "Greek Cooking", "Nica", and "Got A Feelin". (Jazz, Global Grooves) LP, Vinyl record album

Rare Ghanaian funk from Marijata – a rawer, rootsier take on the mid 70s African funk sound, and really unique vibe overall! Marijata is a core 3-piece featuring drummer Kofi Addison, organist Bob Fischian and guitarist Nat Osmanu of the group Sweet Beans – a set up that provides for a distinctive, loose-limbed feel on the sparest moments – always funky, but without any reliance and bigger, denser orchestrations. Even when augmented by a horn section they've got a great, gritty vibe all their own! This live in the studio set is one of the most hard-sought of the genre, and now that we've heard it, we can see why! Raw, riveting and soulful stuff – a real treasure! Includes "I Walk Alone", "We Live In Piece", "No Condition Is Permanent" and "Break Through". LP, Vinyl record album