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".