Instrumental Latin from Charlie Palmieri – an indie set from the 80s, but one that almost has the classic feel of some of his first few albums at the end of the 50s! The approach here is similar to those – especially Charlie's work for United Artists – a jazz-inflected approach that has plenty of piano in the lead, supported by bass, timbales, bongos, and congas! Larry's groove is traditional, but also shows some of the freedoms that crept into Latin piano work during the 60s and 70s – and as an added plus, most of these tracks are much longer than in the old days – offering plenty of space for improvisation on the solos! Titles include "Rhumba Rhapsody", "Start The World I Want To Get On", "Mis Amigos EGC", "Adios", "Bajo Los Sombras De Un Pino", and "Muneca". LP, Vinyl record album

Brilliant work from Pucho and his legendary Soul Brothers group of the 60s – a record that's beyond definition – as it combines Latin, soul, jazz, and even a few funky touches – all into one totally amazing sound! This one really gets all the elements right – and the fantastic Pazant Brothers (Eddie & Al) are on sax and trumpet (respectively), and a young Neal Creque is on piano, really bringing a sharp edge to Pucho's groove that other Latin combos of the time never had – and the set also features some vocals by Jackie Soul on a few cuts, who's a great singer that really helps cross a few cuts over into Latin Soul territory. Titles include the soul jazz cuts "Heat" and "Psychedelic Pucho", plus other great Latin soul cuts, like "Payin' Dues" and "Candied Yam". LP, Vinyl record album

A confusing title, but a wonderful little record! The album's as much a Herbie Mann Latin session as it is a record by Johnny Rae – which is probably why the album's titled as such – and the group on the set features Rae on vibes, Herbie on flute, Jack Six on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums, Bobby Corwin on piano, and Jose Mangual, Patato Valdes, and Victor Pantoja on an assortment of Latin and African percussion. The groove is tremendous – Latinized jazz, but with a real tension between the heavy percussion on the bottom and the ligher flute and vibes on the top – especially on the album's more tribal, African-styled numbers. The "suite" features 7 tracks in all – 5 composed by Herbie ("Sorimao", "Beouin", "Sudan", "Ekunda", "Guinean"), plus a version of Sonny Rollins' "St Thomas", and the track "Jungle Fantasy" by Noro Morales. (Jazz, Latin) LP, Vinyl record album

Hot and wild – two of the best words you could use to describe the late 60s Latin Soul material of Pete Rodriguez – especially on an album like this! This album has Pete and his combo at their best – stepping effortlessly between English-language, soul-based tracks – and other material that has them showing their Latin chops in a straighter Pacheco-inspired style – really tight small combo grooving, with that Spanish Harlem sound that cats like Pete could do so well. The whole thing's a winner, and titles include "Here Comes the Judge" and "People Want to Know", plus "Tears on My Pillow", "Carmela", "Pa'Lla Va", "Arranca En Fa", and "Cata Con Tata". LP, Vinyl record album

An overlooked salsa gem from the New York scene of the 80s – one of those great Montuno Records albums that was a lot more rootsy than most other work of the time! The group work here with a blend of salsa energy and deeper Afro-Cuban roots – especially on the percussion, which really helps ground the tunes, and give them a bold sort of vibe right from the start! Instrumentation includes some nice trombone work from co-leader Edwin Feliciano, plus two more trombones as well – and piano and Fender Rhodes from Edy Martinez – and vocals are by Frankie Rodriguez, Angel Palacios, and Edwin Feliciano. Titles include "Zaperoko", "Candita", "Lo Dudo", "Bata Yeye", "Akara", and "Bailare". LP, Vinyl record album