An obscure little album from Jack "Mr Bongo" Constanzo – his only entry into the Latin Soul genre, and a really nice batch of grooves! Jacko's working here with singer Gerrie Woo – who sings in English on about half of the album's tracks, giving the set a nice pop-styled Latin groove that reminds us a lot of Willie Bobo's work for Verve, and some of the more unusual indie Latin albums of the time. The set's filled with loads of great numbers – including Hector Rivera compositions "Recuerdos", "Que Vengo Acabando", "Don't Squeeze The Peaches", and "Mambo Jack" – plus covers of "Jive Samba", "Words", and "Green Onions". LP, Vinyl record album

A pretty sweet late 70s salsa set from Chamaco Ramirez – a wonderful singer best remembered for his work in the 60s & 70s for bandleader Tommy Olivencia – and this is the one-and-only solo album to Chamaco's name! Alive & Kicking was released in 1979, and in a bit of sad irony, came out just a few years before Ramirez was killed, but sad history aside, it's a nice little record! Arrangements are by Javier Vazquez – and the group features lots of strong trumpet from Chocolate Armanteros, and tenor from Mario Rivera. Titles include "San Agustin", "Rumba Moderna", "Cuando Manda El Corazon", "Kikiriki", "Respetala", "No Es Vacilon", "Fania" and more. LP, Vinyl record album

A raw early cooker from Mongo Santamaria – a real standout album from the Riverside years, thanks to a live performance that goes far beyond his studio work of the time! The set was caught live at the Village Gate – in a way that lets the band open up and really jam on the tunes – an especially great thing, given that players include Pat Patrick, Marty Sheller, and Bobby Capers on horns, all of whom bring a lot of fire to the session. Mongo's great on congas, as you might expect – and the album's even got a cool little introduction of the group by Symphony Sid! Tracks include "Mongo's Groove", "The Jungle Bit", "Fatback", and "Nothing For Nothing", a nice long track written by Patrick! LP, Vinyl record album