A great introduction to the music of Ana Caram – an early session recorded both in London and Brazil – with all the great mix of modes that might imply! The album's breathy and bossa in some spots, but full and jazzy in others – and Ana's equally at home in both settings! Some tracks feature just vocals and guitar, while others bring in a bit of light acoustic instrumentation – while others expand with a soulful vibe that's mighty nice, especially on three of the album's tracks produced by Bluey from Incognito. Titles include "Agua De Beber", "Mas Que Nada", "Overjoyed", "Odara", "Port Of Call", "Wave", and "Filhos De Gandi". CD

... LP, Vinyl record album

A sultry bit of Nu Soul from Canada! Singer Ivana Santilli has a great voice – smooth, sexy, and perfect for the warm modern soul arrangements of this debut album. She may look like an indie rocker on the cover, but the album's all-soul, all-the way – and it fits perfectly with some of the other great new underground soul work we've been carrying in our New Grooves section! Lots of nice keyboards in the backing, and beats that are heavy, but never too much so. Titles include "Never Again", "On The Rhodes Again", "It May Take A While", "Doin All The Doin", "If Ever I Fall", "Too Deep", and "Caramel Sky". CD

Killer 70s work from this legendary Cuban group! The record's better than most of their output outside of Cuba, and it features a stunning mix of Latin grooves and electric funky elements, in a manner that's very similar to some of the NuYorican groups in America during the time. The great Chucho Valdes is at the head of the group, and even though the band decides to cut versions of a few classical tunes, the groove is still hard and heavy – and the sound is a wonderful example of the rich growth that was happening on the Cuban music scene during the 70s. Titles include "Los Caramelos", "Que Se Sepa, Yo Soy De La Habana", and "Siete Tazas De Cafe". LP, Vinyl record album