... LP, Vinyl record album

Rare singles from the early 80s – most of which get their first global release outside of their regional release in Kenya and Tanzania – served up here in a batch of grooves that are a lot more stripped-down than some of the more slickly-produced West African work of the time! The tunes here really put the guitars in the front of the mix – cascading in these wonderful lines that are completely fluid throughout, and every bit as important to the rhythms as the basslines and percussion. And although there are vocals on the cuts, it often feels as if it's the guitars that are doing most of the "singing" – with a soaring, lilting quality that's very beautiful throughout. Titles include "Manimba" by Orchestra Mjoa One, "Ni Uranjuhigirie" by The Lulus Band, "Margy Sugar Na" by Gem Lucky Jazz, "I Love You Posha" by Founder International Sound, "Ombi" by Orchestra Bima Lee, "Uchawi Ni Mbaya" by Kangundo D Boys, and "Iveti Matuku Aya" by Kyanganga Boys Band. LP, Vinyl record album

A legendary early set from percussionist Francisco Mora Catlett – and a really sublime blend of spiritual jazz and Latin rhythms! Mora's percussion is definitely at the core – but the set also features wonderful contributions from Vincent Bowens on tenor and soprano sax, Jerome LeDuff on berimbau, Alberto Nacif on quinto, and Detroit jazz legend Kenny Cox on piano! There's a balance here that really matches the best Strata East energy of the 70s – an open, flowing approach that's completely sublime, and very righteous too – even more so than anything Mora's done since the 70s – making this record one of his greatest achievements ever. Tersa Mora sings a bit of vocals at times – and titles include "Afra Jum", "Five AM", "Rumba Morena", "Samba De Amor", and "Cultural Warrior". (Jazz, Global Grooves) LP, Vinyl record album

A strong live set from the great Paco DeLucia – one that has his sublime acoustic guitar sounds really ringing out in the large space of a theater – which creates a slightly different vibe than some of his more close-up studio records of the 70s! DeLucia is extremely commanding in this space – and seems to reach out with even more majesty than ever – incredibly deft work on the strings of the guitar, full of fire and feeling – on a set of original numbers that reference tradition, then completely dismantle it as well. Ramon De Algeciras joins on a bit of second guitar, and titles include "Solea", "Fandangos", "Rumba", "Guajiras", "Alegrias", and "Tarantas". LP, Vinyl record album