... LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent session of exotica-tinged Latin jazz – put together by pianist Don Ralke, and featuring some great work from flute player Buddy Collette – in a spirit that's very similar to Collette's own classic Jazz Heat Bongo Beat album! The set's also got some great bongo work by Jack "Bongo" Burger – plus congas from Tom Wofford – and although both players aren't the most autentico of Latin percussionists from the west coast scene at the time, they've got a really evocative approach here that makes for a great little set. Colette's flute is wonderful too – really shading in some great tones and colors –a nd titles are all fresh originals that include "Afro Mambo Alegre", "Mgombo", "Pasion Calienta", "Bembe Negro", "Calypso Cubano", and "Afro Bop". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

A second fantastic tribute to the genius of Sunny Ozuna – the Texas singer who cut some amazing soul records back in the 60s, but often with a vibe that reflected his unique Tex-Mex origins too! Those qualities really come through here in this well-done assortment of tunes – tracks that have all the mellow, slow-stepping energy of sweet soul group material from the east coast scene of the late 60s – but which also have some unusual Texas elements too, even on familiar instruments like trumpet or organ, which often are tuned in slightly weird ways that really set these tunes apart from more conventional soul! Sunny's always in the lead, but often gets some great harmony support – and titles include a killer remake of "Sitting In The Park" – plus "If I Could See You Now", "Give Me Time", "Viva Mi Triestesa", "I Can Remember", "Runaway", "I've Never Found A Girl", "I'm No Stranger", and "Baby I Apologize". (Soul, Latin) CD

A nice mix of exotic and Latin modes – with Tino La Tino on flute, in a group that features more flute and alto, three trumpets, and plenty of percussion – including solo congas by Tito Rivera! Titles include "Cansao", "Guajira De Mi Cuba", "Lullaby Of The Leaves", "Canto Misterio", "Vamo A Bailar", "Llanura Cubana", and "Obsession". LP, Vinyl record album

Two Latin funk classics – back to back in a single set! First up is the self-titled Azteca album – a crowning moment for the west coast Latin scene in the 70s – a wonderful Bay Area set that brings together some of the best talents working on that scene at the time! The set's got a great blend of modes – Latin soul, touches of funk, and plenty of the jazzy inflections you'd expect from a lineup that includes Coke Escovedo on timbales, Paul Jackson on bass, Lenny White on drums, George Muribus on Fender Rhodes, Tom Harrell on trumpet, and Victor Pantoja on congas! Vocals are by Pete Escovedo – who brings in a heady soulful sound to the set – and the vibe is a bit like work by Malo or El Chicano, but even more jazz-based overall! Titles include "Peace Everybody", "Empty Prophet", "Can't Take The Funk Out Of Me", "Azteca", "Ah! Ah!", and "Mamita Linda". Next is Pyramid Of The Moon – a really special record from a really special group – one of two sublime 70s gems from Azteca – a wicked blend of jazz, funk, Latin, and soul – all put together by a young Coke Escovedo! Coke's ostensibly the leader of the group, but there's also a richly collaborative feel going on – a style that brings together jazz players like Tom Harrell on trumpet, Mel Martin on saxes, George Muribus on Fender Rhodes, and Flip Nunez on organ – and Latin players like Victor Pantoja on congas, Coke Escovedo on timbales, and Pete Escovedo on added percussion. In fact, the set's a key early example of the strength of the Escovedo family – and like their best later efforts, the set really stretches out and pushes the boundaries of conventional genres. There's also some great guest work from Lenny White on drums, Mike Nock on keyboards, and Neal Schon on guitars – and vocals are by a range of singers who really keep things fresh. Titles include "Red Onions", "Mazatlan", "Whatcha Gonna Do", "Mexicana, Mexicana", and "Love Is A Stranger". CD