A record with a really unusual pedigree, in that it was recorded by a number of Haitian singers and musicians on the New York scene – done in the mid 80s with a bit of a groove, and a compelling blend of Caribbean roots and more spiritual elements! At some level, the record is years ahead of its time – much more similar to some of the global hybrids that have come from the European scene, especially Paris, in more recent years – and it's that quality that makes the whole thing really hold up over the years, with a vibe that's very different than so many other Haitian albums from the time. Tracks are long, rhythms are rolling, keyboards balanced with saxes, and vocals trade between male and female singers – on titles that include "Deblozay", "Tem", "Tribilasyon", "Dilijans", and "Pwoblem". LP, Vinyl record album

An obscure Nigerian groover – but a set with a massive groove to rival the best classics of the 70s scene in Lagos! The cover bills the record as "super-feelings led by Segun Okeji" – and we've gotta say, that's a great way to put it – because there's a soulful undercurrent to the record that definitely has Segun feeling the groove – blowing tenor with a heady sound, over tightly-paced tunes that get going right from the start – mixing in some other great horns, organ, and really massive percussion! Each track takes up a full side of the record – in true Fela format – and titles include "I Like Woman" and "Afro Super-Feelings In Disco". LP, Vinyl record album

A vintage set from the great Ebo Talyor – an artist who's been recording new music in recent years, but who sounds even better here on one of his classics! Ebo's got a fair bit of jazz mixed in with his sound – a layering of flute, trombone, tenor, guitar, and keyboard parts with a strong sense of solo – a bit like South African jazz of the period, especially in the way the instruments really open up in the midtempo grooves! Rhythms are laidback, but still nicely present – not as speedy as Afro-Funk, but not much slower either – and there's also room for plenty of lyrics on the tracks, too – although it's the instrumental solos we think we like the best. Titles include "Reality", "If You Care", "Come Along", "Egya Edu", "Enye Wo Nyame Nko", and "Gyae Su Na Nkomo". LP, Vinyl record album

An early gem from Ghana legend Ebo Taylor – a smoking little set with a really hypnotic feel overall! The tracks here are all nice and long – and build energy with kind of a minimal layering of sound – an approach that's different than some of the longer Nigerian jams you might know from the time, but with a style that's equally compelling – especially give the great use of guitar and keyboards! These instruments are heard to best effect on the sublime "Peace On Earth" – a tune that features this wonderful other-worldly electric piano – ringing out with tones that are almost vibes-like at times, and which almost have a Sun Ra-ish sort of quality. Also great is "Atwer Abroba" – a tune with some funky horns riffing along with the tight percussion, and captivating vocal refrains over the top. The title cut, "Twer Nyame", has wonderfully chromatic guitars – really let loose, and allowed to build slowly – creating this warm electric energy on the tune! LP, Vinyl record album