Fierce funky grooves from the legendary Nico Gomez – a set cooked up in Europe, but heavy with influences from the other side of the Atlantic – from Havana all the way up to New York! There's definitely a Latin groove to the record – one that's similar to other Gomez productions – but there's also lots of heavy funk at the bottom – with basslines that drive most numbers along boldly, really raw percussion played with a nice sense of spontaneity, and these super-tight keyboards and guitars that you might find in American funk! The mix of modes is very much in the best spirit of contemporary groups like Chakachas or Lafayette Afro Rock Band – and titles include "Caballo Negro", "Lupita", "Baila Chibiquiban", "Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!", "One Note Samba", "Cuba Libre", and "El Condor Pasa". LP, Vinyl record album

Fierce funky grooves from the legendary Nico Gomez – a set cooked up in Europe, but heavy with influences from the other side of the Atlantic – from Havana all the way up to New York! There's definitely a Latin groove to the record – one that's similar to other Gomez productions – but there's also lots of heavy funk at the bottom – with basslines that drive most numbers along boldly, really raw percussion played with a nice sense of spontaneity, and these super-tight keyboards and guitars that you might find in American funk! The mix of modes is very much in the best spirit of contemporary groups like Chakachas or Lafayette Afro Rock Band – and titles include "Caballo Negro", "Lupita", "Baila Chibiquiban", "Pa! Pa! Pa! Pa!", "One Note Samba", "Cuba Libre", and "El Condor Pasa". LP, Vinyl record album

Pianist Masaru Imada picks up some keyboards for this sweet 80s set – still keeping things in that warmly soulful style of some of his previous albums, but also opening up the groove too – thanks to some excellent guest work from Japanese jazz heavyweights Kazumi Watanabe on guitar and Toshiyuki Honda on alto, soprano sax, and flute! The set's got more of a fusion vibe than some of Masaru's 70s material, but still also has an acoustic ear at the heart – a sense of warmth and lyricism that holds strong throughout, on titles that include "On The Waves", "Sunshine Blvd", "Marine Diving", "Mad Riding", and "Pretty Skip". CD

Excellent funky jazz from Czechoslovakia – served up in a blistering mix of big band arrangements and electric rock elements! The group's a jazz-rock orchestra – with a hard wailing instrumental sound that's sort of like the Clarke Boland Big Band, mixed with fuzzed-out guitars – a really great blend that's in the territory of some of the best MPS work of this type from the time! There's a bit of a progressive vibe to the record, but never in a way that has the solos getting too overindulgent – and throughout, the group keeps things going with very strong jazz elements in the music. Titles include the 14 minute groover "Nova Synteza", which has a tasty drum breakdown – plus "Popinavy Brectan", "Ma Hra", and "Smer Jihovychod". CD features 6 bonus tracks – including "Blue Taxi", "Living Things", and "I Got My Mojo Working". CD

A warm set of groovers from Flip Nunez – a San Francisco-based pianist with a great Latin tinge, working here in a fantastic setting that makes for one of his greatest recordings! The album was recorded in SF in 1976, and it's got the laidback groove of some of the best sides coming from the area at the time – a sweet blend of fusion, Latin, and modal jazz grooving. Nunez plays electric piano, clavinet, piano, and organ – and a few tracks feature his vocals, which have a confident style that's somewhere between Mark Murphy and Tony Benett (in his jazzier mode.) The centerpiece of the album is a long mellow-grooving version of "See You Later", a tune that Flip wrote, and which has been covered on a number of other jazz dance classics over the years – but the album's filled with great tunes, like "D'ju Like Me", "This Time For Good", "Why Did You Come Into My Life", and "Mr Cool", a sweet little funky tune! LP, Vinyl record album

A great collaboration between Perez Prado and trumpeter Shorty Rogers – one in which Rogers' solos sparkle brilliantly over the top of Perez's tight Latin rhythms – all in a style that's as moody as it is evocative and rhythmic! Side one features the extended "Voodoo Suite" – a side-long track that builds nicely on rootsy Latin rhythms that are much freer than Prado's pop work of the 50s – and which features a growing jazz horizon at the edges, filled with players who include Bud Shank on alto and flute, Bob Cooper on tenor, Shelly Manne on drums, and Pete Candoli on trumpet – in a larger section underneath Shorty Rogers' solos. Side two features shorter tracks recorded a year later – a bit more in the standard Prado mode, but still with a really dynamic feel, and contributions from jazz players like Candoli and Rolf Erikson on trumpets, Willie Maiden on tenor, and Jay Hill on trombone. Titles include "Music Makers", "In The Mood", "St. James Infirmary", and "Jumpin At The Woodside". LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing second set from Sixto Rodriguez – recorded in the legendary Landsdowne Studios in London, with a groove that's a great extension from his debut! All of Rodriguez's best elements are in place here – his folksy guitar, personal lyrical style, and surprisingly biting approach to a variety of topics – and the London setting provides him with an even more sophisticated backdrop than before, one that creates a rich palette of sounds that takes the music in some really wonderful directions! There's a bit of strings at times, but most instrumentation is by a small combo – which includes Chris Spedding on guitar and Tony Carr on percussion – so that Rodriguez's vocals and guitar are really right up front in the mix, recorded with a brilliant balance between sharpness and compassion. Titles include "Climb Up On My Music", "Silver Words", "Heikki's Suburbia Bus Tour", "I Think Of You", "To Whom It May Concern", "Halfway Up The Stairs", and "Cause". 2019 CD version includes the bonus tracks "Can't Get Away", "Street Boy" and "I'll Slip Away". CD

Wonderfully jazzy work from Tito Rodriguez – and further proof that his live albums are often some of the best he ever recorded! The set's got an earthy feel that's quite different than some of Tito's studio albums – still that tight groove he brought to Latin music at the end of the 50s, but a looser, freer quality too – one that comes through not only in the great horn passages in the group, but also in the way the rhythms cascade and open up – in a groove that must have been very appealing to Palladium dancers. Titles include "Double Talk", "Te Comiste Un Pan", "Satin & Lace", "Mama Guela", "El Mundo De Las Locas", and "El Sabio". LP, Vinyl record album

Plenty happenin' here – a wealth of boogaloo grooves, mad Latin jazz riffs, and lots lots more – all served up on a platter that's easily one of the most cooking ever from trumpeter Willie Rodriguez! Like other releases on the Fonseca label, there's a nicely messed-up groove going on – a style that easily shifts between different Latin modes in search of the rawest sound possible – without any thought of mainstream convention, or the sort of straighter-laced sounds that might have played with the suburban crowds. Willie's band is clearly nice and youthful, and more than willing to follow his leadership – working equally well on both the English and Spanish language tunes on the set. Titles include "Boogaloo Hay", "Sansuyo", "Mi Guajira", "Mi Shingaling", "The Clock", "What You Want Is Boogaloo", "7th Ave Train", and the very tasty "Descarga El Bravo"! LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent early album from Latin leader/trumpeter Willie Rodriguez – one of his gems for the Fonseca label, with vocals from Leo Casino – a tight mix of Latin Soul, descarga, and salsa tracks that hit hard from the start and don't let up! Rodriguez leads a great band, and they're joined by vocalist Casino some of the tracks – with tunes that have an uncommon, heated intensity without sacrificing the groove – some of it with the feel of an after hours session full of players just hit with a mighty second wind, and others that are just straight up tirelessly driven. The whole set cooks really nicely! Titles include "Dig It", "Descarga DJ", "Pussycat Bugaloo", "Simon", A Mi Negra". "Golden Bugaloo", and "Chickie's Choice". LP, Vinyl record album

A wonderful album from Lalo Schfrin! This one mixes together bossa piano and sweeping string arrangements – in a style that's incredibly dark-edged and driving, with a sound that's at once spooky and lovely – a dancing groove that makes the best tracks really sparkle! The album's light years away from other "piano with strings" albums of the time – proof that Schifrin was easily one of the most imaginative forces of his generation, and an arranger who really helped reshape music in the 60s. Titles include the incredible version of "Maria" that's played quite often by Gilles Peterson – plus loads of other nice ones, like "The Wave", "Insensatez", "You And Me", "Murmurio", "Rapaz De Bem", "Rio After Dark", and "Time For Love". CD

The first-ever record in the Luaka Bop legacy – a massive collection of Brazilian grooves that still serves as one of the best introductions to the music we can think of! Most of the artists here are the bigger names of the MPB generation of the 70s – but many are still very under-represented in the US market – which makes the collection of work here completely essential. The styles range from samba soul of Jorge Ben to the lyrical poetry of Caetano Veloso to the soulful drama of Milton Nascimento – and titles include "Ponta De Lanca Africano" and "Fio Varavilha" by Jorge Ben, "Cacada" by Chico Buarque, "Quilombo O El Dorado Negro" and "So Quero Um Xodo" by Gilberto Gil, "Quiexa" and "O Leaozinho" by Caetano Veloso, "Sonho Meu" by Maria Bethania & Gal Costa, "Caixa De Sol" by Nazare Pereira, and "Anima" by Milton Nascimento. LP, Vinyl record album

A smoking overview of work from the glory days of the Venezuelan scene – that moment when the nation's economy was opening the doors to rich new avenues of expression – including the important Discomoda label, which recorded all the gems on this set! The vibe is great – kind of a sideways take on NYC Latin modes of the years involved, but with some of the rootsier elements you might expect from Colombian work too – all presented with really stark, simple, no-nonsense production that really makes the music burst out loud! The selection of tracks here is great – all killer, no-filler, with a focus on the best Discomoda grooves from this stretch – 21 tracks that include "Mambo Tema" by Genaro Y Sus All Stars, "Disparo Goajira" by Nelson Y Sus Estrellas, "No Salgas De Tu Barrio" by Los Kenya, "Fiesta En Venezuela" by Los Satelites, "Lija" by Rodrigo Mendoza, "Mi Rendencion" by La Renovacion, "Analiza" by Principe Y Su Sexteto, "Juana Guaguanco" by Supercombo Los Tropicales, "Algo Diferente" by Johnny Sedes Y Su Orquesta, "Muneca" by Los Megatones De Lucho, "Pero En Caracas" by Sonora Venezuela, "Maracaibo" by Microbanda Marabina, and "Oye Como Suena"b y Orquesta Sonoramica. LP, Vinyl record album

One of Arthur Baker's shining moments – a poppy little tune, to be sure, but with a tight electro groove that's stood up a lot more than we would have thought at the time! Not strictly Hip Hop, but definitely an '80's breakin'/electro/dance classic (like the tracks on the Tommy Boy Perfect Beats compilations.) Anything from 1982 produced by Arthur Baker and mixed by Jellybean is bound to be dope and this one is no exception. With production and sung vocals similar to the Planet Patrol records from that time. Complete with an instrumental/dub version if you don't want the vocals. 12-inch, Vinyl record

Killer Latin from South American drummer Frank Hernandez – easily the king of the scene on his side of the globe! Frank's taking a key cue here from the harder sound of the New York scene of the time – and the record's overflowing with great little tracks that mix together heavy percussion, sinister piano, and soulful chorus vocals that leap and dance along with the grooves. A few cuts are instrumentals, done with some great horn work in place – and the whole album's a cooker that can't be denied! Includes a great remake of "El Pito", plus "Dame Tu Carino", "Sabor A Miel", "Potpourri Judio", "Cafe", "Bombonchara", "Rumba Brava", and "Dulce Veneno". LP, Vinyl record album

Breezy indeed – as the record has a light, floating approach that's every bit the best part of Legrand's work in the 70s! The album's mostly instrumentals – strings soaring over slinky bass and sublimated rhythms, in the manner of the best post-60s French soundtracks, occasionally breaking out with some nice groovers to keep things lean and clean. Includes the long jammer "Rockin Chair", the sweet groover "Breakfast Time", and the vocal number "Breezy's Song", with lyrics by Shelby First, and the track "I Will Remember You", which features some of Legrand's own great vocal work! LP, Vinyl record album

A heavier, darker prime era set from Massive Attack – and rightly remembered as a classic! The grooves are still really strong, but the trip hop pioneers are delving more deeply into a bass heavy dub trip with a deep, rumbling bottom running throughout the tracks and some distorted guitar and reverb drenched key and sample bits punctuating the cuts. Stunningly strong to this day – which is no mean feat given the rapid musical evolutions of the 90s onward! Includes "Angel", "Risingson", "Teardrop" (which features vocals by Cocteau Twin Elizabeth Fraser), "Inertia Creeps", "Exchange", "Dissolved Girl", "Man Next Door", "Black Milk", "Mezzanine" and "Group Four". CD

Maybe the greatest record we've ever heard from Ethio keyboard legend Hailu Mergia – a sweet set of jazz recorded in the mid 70s, with a vibe that still sounds fantastic after all these years! The groove here is the sort that so many other contemporary groups have been picking up on recent recordings – unusual slow-stepping rhythms, mixed with exotic keyboard lines that often run up and down the scale – sometimes feeling more like some sort of cosmic current than the work of a set of fingers on the keys – even when the group move into some more soul-based modes! The whole thing is wonderful – just the right touches from horns and guitar – and titles include "Gumegum", "Ou OU Ta", "Aya Belew Belew", "Tezeta", "Endegena", and "Zengadyw Derekou". LP, Vinyl record album

Easygoing 60s pop groovers from the inimitable Chris Montez – the best and brightest numbers from his A&M years! Chris in his prime years sang with a naive charm that's pretty much irresistible – crooning in his baby smooth voice over surprisingly rich production – with lots of vibes and light horn arrangements that no doubt helped pave the way for the lounge pop to come! 22 tracks in all: "Call Me", "The More I See You", "Foolin' Around", "The Very Thought Of You", "Time After Time", "There Will Never Be Another You", "Our Day Will Come", "The Face I Love", "Elena", "Keep Talkin", "I Will Wait For You", "Just Friends", "Little White Lies", "I'm Glad There Is You (In This World Of Ordinary People)", "End Of A Love Affair" and more. CD

A warm set of groovers from Flip Nunez – a San Francisco-based pianist with a great Latin tinge, working here in a fantastic setting that makes for one of his greatest recordings! The album was recorded in SF in 1976, and it's got the laidback groove of some of the best sides coming from the area at the time – a sweet blend of fusion, Latin, and modal jazz grooving. Nunez plays electric piano, clavinet, piano, and organ – and a few tracks feature his vocals, which have a confident style that's somewhere between Mark Murphy and Tony Benett (in his jazzier mode.) The centerpiece of the album is a long mellow-grooving version of "See You Later", a tune that Flip wrote, and which has been covered on a number of other jazz dance classics over the years – but the album's filled with great tunes, like "D'ju Like Me", "This Time For Good", "Why Did You Come Into My Life", and "Mr Cool", a sweet little funky tune! CD

A fantastic album of soulful jazz – and one that's got a lot more staying power than the macrame craze of the 70s! Don't confuse this Bobby with the Rodriguez who put out some mid 70s salsa albums on Vaya in New York – because this Bobby's a trumpet player from the LA scene, one who worked with Gerald Wilson, and is striking out here on his own in a sweet self-produced set! Instrumentation on the set is a bit ambitious – with large-ish sax and trumpet participation – but the overall groove is nice and compressed, and driven by some strong rhythms laid down by Ndugu Chancler and a host of added Latin percussionists. The highlight of the set is the side-long spiritually-soulful "Simply Macrame" – which runs for 16 minutes, and builds nicely in a "Little Sunflower" mode – using some vocals from singer Betty Macias to initiate the Latin-tinged groove, and set the tone for a host of sweet solo work to come. The album also features a nice take on Lee Morgan's "Caramba", plus the original tunes "Judy's In Love" and "Straight No Changes". LP, Vinyl record album

Pre-boogaloo material from Pete Rodriguez – but still quite lively, in the manner of Joe Cuba, right before he cut his boogaloo sides! The album's a refreshing change from the early 60s pachanga groove – as Pete's group works hard on the percussion tip to strip down the grooves and give the proceedings a hard-edged finish. Vocals are by Richie Rodriguez and Alberto Gonzalez – and the album features two shorter descarga tracks, "Ya Tu Veras" and "La Magnifica", plus the tracks "Periquito", "Canallon", "No Quiero Lios", "Lo Se Todo", and "Oigan Companeros". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic little album of Latin Soul – a perfect example of why Pete was known as the "King Of The Boogaloo" during the 60s! The group's having a non-stop party on the album – breaking it hard with heavy piano lines, rumbling bass underneath the grooves, tight timbales, and some shouted lyrics in English that are always very catchy. The title cut, "I Like It Like That", is the sort of groover that you'll be singing for years – even after hearing it only once – and the album's filled with other great cuts, like "Pete's Madness", "Micaela", "Si Quires Bailar", "Soiy El Rey" and "3 and 1". LP, Vinyl record album

Amazing sounds from the legendary Rodriguez – the brilliant 70s singer who had a groove that was equal parts soul, funk, rock, and folk – and an overall approach that was pretty darn unique! Most numbers here have some acoustic guitar over slightly funky rhythms – perfectly scored to work with Rodriguez's raspy soul vocals, which have an undeniably heartfelt style – somewhere in a space between Terry Callier and early Jose Feliciano, but very much its own mode too! This CD features great gems from Rodriguez's years at Sussex Records – including three tracks not on the albums – "Can't Get Away", "Street Boy", and "I'll Slip Away" – plus other titles that include "Sugar Man", "Cause", "I Wonder", "Like Janis", "Jane S Piddy", "I Think Of You", "Inner City Blues", and "Sandrevan Lullaby Lifestyles". CD

A great little record – a heck of a lot nicer than Tito's work in the 50s, with a much more hard driving mambo sound, touched by a bit of jazz. The style here's not dissimilar to Tito Puente's work at the time – and titles include "Ay No No No", "A Little Bit Of Mambo", "El Tunel", "My Reverie", "Oh My Pa Pa", "Why Do I Love You", and "Chika Ni Lambo". LP, Vinyl record album

Stunning sounds from Willie Rodriguez – easily one of the hardest, heaviest leaders on the 60s scene in New York! The record is a live one, but has the focus and intensity of Willie's best studio work for Fonseca – red hot grooves that are a fusion of Willie's Puerto Rican roots with some of the best pre-salsa modes of the time – a vibe that's a lot like the Joe Cuba Sextet at their best, with blistering piano and percussion in the rhythms, and some tight trumpet soaring out over the top! There's a few mellower tracks, but most numbers are groovers – and titles include "Gua Guanco #1", "Dolor Y Pena", "La Mulata Mariana", "Dame Un Chance", "El Velorio", "Ruby", and the great "Descarga". LP, Vinyl record album

An ultra-hip record from Lorez Alexandria – one of her grooviest albums ever, and a set that was only ever issued in Japan! The set features Lorez hitting some of the hippest, most rhythmic modes of her career – working with jazzy backing arranged by Gildo Mahones and Art Hillery, filled with soul and spirit, and really inspiring Lorez to hit those snapping sort of grooves that make her best tracks so great! Titles include her classic take on "Send In The Clowns" – a real jazz dance classic that goes far beyond its roots – plus the titles "Maybe This Time", "Where Is Love", "Change Partners", "One", "Come Sunday", "Bright Lights & You", and "You Leave Me Breathless". LP, Vinyl record album

A super huge hit for George Benson – and the record that took him from being a funky jazz guitarist into an R&B superstar – opening up sides of his talent that first emerged on his 50s R&B recordings as Little George Benson, but taken here into some very hip 70s territory! The album features George both playing and singing over arrangements by Claus Ogerman – some of Ogerman's best of the 70s, work that mixes together his trademark pillow of sound with a slightly funky bounce that's perfect for Benson's groove. The result is incredible – and the album is filled with loads of great songs – including George's excellent version of Bobby Womack's "Breezin", the hit version of "This Masquerade", and the cuts "So This Is Love", "Six To Four", and "Affirmation". LP, Vinyl record album

Great US double LP set compiling two of Baden Powell's MPS recordings from the late 60s! First up is Canto On Guitar – a stone classic from Baden Powell – and one of the greatest meetings of his Brazilian guitar with the European production styles of the late 60s! The sound is incredible – with backing is by a small group that includes bass, drums, and Brazilian percussion – all used sparely and subtly alongside Baden's fragile lines on guitar, and his moody, echoey vocals – which are recorded here in a nicely subdued way. Tracks include "Tributo A Un Amigo", "Ciegos De Noreste", "Samba En Preludio", "Hijo", and the beautiful "Tres Temas De Fe Afro-Brasilena", which evokes a lot of the feel of his classic Afro Sambas set! Next is Tristeza On Guitar – one of Baden Powell's first great bossa sessions in Europe – recorded in a light and lively MPS mode that's a bit different than some of his work at the time in Brazil! Rhythm is by the team of Eberhard Weber on bass and Charly Antolini on drums – both players with non-bossa roots, but who push Powell's groove into some slightly new directions – almost hailing the Brazilian influence that would show up even more strongly in European jazz in years to come! Sidney Smith also adds a bit of flute into some of the tracks on the album – underscoring the moodier moments with a subtle tone next to Powell's more pronounced guitar – and the whole thing's got a sense of poise, grace, and beauty that's simply tremendous! Titles include "Euridice", "Consolacao", "Feitinha Pro Poeta", "Dindi", "Reza", "Samba Triste", and "All The Things You Are". LP, Vinyl record album

One of the best entries in RCA's classic "our man in..." series – and a nice one by Perez that has him breaking the format of his other releases for the label. In this one, he hits a lot of more modern grooves than on his 50's work – and he also introduces the "bongoson", a mixture of twist and Cuban "son" that sounds pretty groovy. Titles include "Uno", "Pachito E Che", "Tico Tico No Fuba", "Guares", and "Canto Siboney". LP, Vinyl record album

A fantastic little album of Latin Soul – a perfect example of why Pete was known as the "King Of The Boogaloo" during the 60s! The group's having a non-stop party on the album – breaking it hard with heavy piano lines, rumbling bass underneath the grooves, tight timbales, and some shouted lyrics in English that are always very catchy. The title cut, "I Like It Like That", is the sort of groover that you'll be singing for years – even after hearing it only once – and the album's filled with other great cuts, like "Pete's Madness", "Micaela", and "3 and 1". LP, Vinyl record album

An amazing second set from Sixto Rodriguez – recorded in the legendary Landsdowne Studios in London, with a groove that's a great extension from his debut! All of Rodriguez's best elements are in place here – his folksy guitar, personal lyrical style, and surprisingly biting approach to a variety of topics – and the London setting provides him with an even more sophisticated backdrop than before, one that creates a rich palette of sounds that takes the music in some really wonderful directions! There's a bit of strings at times, but most instrumentation is by a small combo – which includes Chris Spedding on guitar and Tony Carr on percussion – so that Rodriguez's vocals and guitar are really right up front in the mix, recorded with a brilliant balance between sharpness and compassion. Titles include "Climb Up On My Music", "Silver Words", "Heikki's Suburbia Bus Tour", "I Think Of You", "To Whom It May Concern", "Halfway Up The Stairs", and "Cause". CD

An excellent little set from Tito – recorded in the late 50s for Tico, with a groove that's harder than much of his 60s work for United Artists! The lineup includes some nice jazzy vibes work on a few tracks – and the album includes the great percussive track "Suena Tu Bongo (Beat Your Bongo)", plus other nice ones like "Ritmo y Melodia", "Tom & Jerry", and "Asi Na Ma". LP, Vinyl record album

An excellent early album from Latin leader/trumpeter Willie Rodriguez – one of his gems for the Fonseca label, with vocals from Leo Casino – a tight mix of Latin Soul, descarga, and salsa tracks that hit hard from the start and don't let up! Rodriguez leads a great band, and they're joined by vocalist Casino some of the tracks – with tunes that have an uncommon, heated intensity without sacrificing the groove – some of it with the feel of an after hours session full of players just hit with a mighty second wind, and others that are just straight up tirelessly driven. The whole set cooks really nicely! Titles include "Dig It", "Descarga DJ", "Pussycat Bugaloo", "Simon", A Mi Negra". "Golden Bugaloo", and "Chickie's Choice". LP, Vinyl record album

Far out psychedelia from the late 60s to mid 70s Spanish scene – rare grooves from small labels and private pressings by groups & artists like Juan Muro, Pedro Gonzalez, Microns, Marquez, Barbara, Tinglado and more! It's great stuff that covers a broad range of styles, from fiercly percussion jams with strains of funk, to some that skew closer to Latin soul rock with Hammond keyboard grooves. Includes "Vuestro Mundo" by Juan Muro, "Quiero Bailar" by Alcy Aguero Y Su Orquestra Pop, "Liberacion" by Microns, "Barahunda" by Marquez, "I Miss You" by Tinglado 13, "Distorsionando" by Greg Segura, "Smartypants" by Polos Opuestos and more. 14 tracks in all. CD

Modern tunes – but with a very classic groovy feel! Of all the Italian efforts to take an older lounge sound and update it for the modern dancefloor, the work of Nicola Conte and the Schema label has been some of the best. This 13 track set offers proof of Conte's genius – and offers up some sparkling groovers all graced with the careful selection you've come to expect from Conte's Fez Studio. Titles include "Meeting With His Majesty" by Theivery Corp, "The Hip Sheik" by The Karminsky Experience, "Funky Bikini" by Ursula 1000, "Arabesque" by Nicola Conte, "Girl On A Mission" by Les Hommes, "Whenever" by Les Gammas, "We Don't Need No Smurfs Here" by Cosmo Vitelli, and "Hi Fi Trumpet" by Stereo Action Unlimited. Very nice – especially if you've enjoyed other Schema modern releases, like Break N Bossa or the Soulstance album! CD

Forget the cheesy title and cover – this is a great compilation, with some really wonderful tracks from the 70s! Like the first set in this series, the focus is on older grooves that have a kicked-back, chilled-out approach to funk – and as such, the set is stuffed with wonderful tunes that we might have missed otherwise! There's a real genius to the package – similar to Irma's Quiet Moments compilation – and the track selection goes way past the obvious, or the familiar, to include tracks that have been locked away on older albums by artists that you might already know. The whole thing's great – as much of a delight in the morning as it is in the middle of the night – with tracks that include "Reflections" by Bill Conti, "Poobli" by Alphonze Mouzon, "Doubting Thomas" by Michel Legrand, "Chutney" by Mandrill, "Cha Chita" by El Chicano, "Night Breeze" by Bobby Lyle, "Feel The Vibe" by Loose Ends, "Close The Door" by Rufus, "The City" by Mark & Almond, "Suzanne" by Gary McFarland, "Snow Queen" by The City, "Say No More" by The Peddlers, "From Here To Eternity" by Engelbert Humperdink, "Walking In The Wind" by Traffic, "The Visit" by The Cyrkle, and "Elegy" by Colosseum. And we should warn you, album 2 has a few especially nice surprises – rock tunes we thought we'd never hear again, settled next to some great funky groovers. 26 tracks on 2LPs. LP, Vinyl record album

Warm, soulful sounds from a crucial time in the Japanese music scene – a 70s moment when the nation was finding a special groove of its own – but one that also drew heavily from American soul and jazz as well! It's no secret that the Japanese have always had a great love of American sounds – but by the mid 70s, that longtime love had also turned into some great homegrown sounds of their own – as Japan developed a number of its own strong soul singers, who were often backed by the ever-growing array of great jazz musicians, particularly those of the fusion side of the spectrum. Plus, there also seemed to be a lot more criss-crossing between Tokyo and US studios at the time – particularly those on the west coast – which resulted in a special blend of sounds that had all the class and cool of the Japanese urban scene, but also some of the sunniness of the west coast too. That special mix of music is perfectly summed up here – in a collection that offers up plenty of cuts that were never issued outside of Japan back in the day – with vocals both in English and Japanese, and plenty of grooves that are perfect for any fan of fusion-styled R&B. Titles include the classic "LA Nights" by Yasuko Agawa – plus "Say Goodbye" by Hiroshi Sato, "I Say Who" by Tomoko Soryo, "Sports Men" by Haruomi Hosoni, "Midnight Driver" by Minako Yoshida, "Machibouke" by Tazumi Toyoshima, "Exotic Yokogao" by Hitomi Tohyama, "Lady Pink Panther" by Shigeru Suzuki, "Drip Dry Eyes" by Yukihiro Takahashi, and "Bamboo Vendor" by Masayoshi Takanaka. LP, Vinyl record album

Includes tracks by Virgina Lopez, Maria Victoria, Wello Rivas, Pedro Vargas, Margarita Romero, Antonio Prieto, and more! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the greatest records ever recorded by vocalist Lorez Alexandria – and a perfect summation of her rich talents as a singer! Backing is by a small Chicago trio that includes John Young on piano, Vernel Fournier on drums, and George Eskridge on bass – but the arrangements of the tracks, and Lorez's unique interpretations drive the tunes into territory that's surprisingly advanced for the 1962 date of the session. You'll recognize most of the tunes – but as the old adage goes, it's not the song, but the singer – and you'll hear Lorez crafting a rich tapestry of sound and emotion from titles like "No Moon At All", "I Was A Fool", "Detour Ahead", "Travlin Light", and "I Want To Talk About You". The album's a gem – right up there with her best work ever! LP, Vinyl record album

A super huge hit for George Benson – and the record that took him from being a funky jazz guitarist into an R&B superstar – opening up sides of his talent that first emerged on his 50s R&B recordings as Little George Benson, but taken here into some very hip 70s territory! The album features George both playing and singing over arrangements by Claus Ogerman – some of Ogerman's best of the 70s, work that mixes together his trademark pillow of sound with a slightly funky bounce that's perfect for Benson's groove. The result is incredible – and the album is filled with loads of great songs – including George's excellent version of Bobby Womack's "Breezin", the hit version of "This Masquerade", and the cuts "So This Is Love", "Six To Four", and "Affirmation". CD

Great grooves from Burundi – two very rare tracks! "Shoreza Inyange" begins with a keyboard flow, then takes a break for a spoken/shouted part from the lead singer – before the whole group rolls into the mix, and soars up the tune with tight horns and rhythms, ensemble vocals, and lots of strange sonic touches along the way! The flipside is even funkier – a great bassline and lots of tight riffing guitar! 7-inch, Vinyl record

Early 80s clubby funk & soul from Freeez – a pretty sweet mix of period synth and boogie soul with far richer, live instrumentation and solid, hooky songwriting! Freeez recorded Gonna Get You in Manhattan – and you can certainly hear the NYC culture of the time flowing nicely in the groove. The songs are really good, and catchy enough to have caught on a much bigger level – with male and female lead and chorus backing vocals, and the synths and drum machines pulse and thump underneath congas, bongos and other percussion, Rhodes, piano and other elements. Includes "We've Got The Juice", "Can't Keep My Love", "Love's Gonna Get You", "Pop Goes My Love", "IOU", "Freezin'", "Can You", "Watch Me" and "Gonna Get You (Megamix)" – the 13 minute closer of disc 1. Disc 2 features 13 bonus tracks: "IOU (7" Version)", "We Got The Jazz", "Scratch Goes My Dub (7" Version)", "Love's Gonna Get You (7" Version)", "IOU – Megamix", "A Capella U" and more. CD

A gem of a record from the early 60s – a freewheeling set of bossa jazz, played by the combo of tenor saxophonist Juarez! There's a fluid, open groove to the record that's mighty nice – really romping rhythms that set fire to the tenor of Juarez right from the start – as he moves in long, soulful lines filled with plenty of improvisation – and leaps along with the grooves of the group, which also includes Nelson Dos Santos on trombone, Neco on guitar, and either Fats Elpidio or Tenorio Jr on piano! There's no string or other larger orchestrations – just tight core instrumentation, all acoustic – and mighty nice throughout. Titles include "Tema Pra Dede", "Lobo Bobo", "Direi Depois", "Samba Toff", "Maria Ninguem", "O Amor Que Acabou", and "Sincopado Triste". LP, Vinyl record album

A trio of albums from Junie Morrison, plus bonus tracks too – all to document the genius of the guy who really helped the Ohio Players find their groove! First up is When We Do – the solo debut of Junie – a crazy little album recorded for Westbound in the time after he split company with The Ohio Players – and a set that's definitely got the weirdly wonderful mix of music that group was known for in their pre-Mercury years! Junie effortlessly moves between a number of styles, all with a great degree of wit – still keeping things funky in all the best ways, but also really experimenting with larger sounds and unusual arrangements – which come into play here in a really wonderful way! The album's an overlooked funk treasure from the 70s – far too sophisticated for its own time – and titles include "Walt's Third Trip", "Tight Rope", "Johnny Carson Samba", "Anna", "Loving Arms", "Married Him", and "The Place". Freeze is a wonderful set from Junie – a record that has all the offbeat funk he was crafting with the Ohio Players during their Westbound years – and the same sort of heady sound that would make Morrison a perfect match with the P-Funk empire! The record contains the legendary track "Granny's Funky Rolls Royce", which features a meeting between the Funky Granny (a near folklorish character from the early 70s, who'd appeared on records by Kool & The Gang and Ohio Players) and an alien, who tells urges to "buy this record, buy this record, buy this record" in a very silly voice! The funky comedy of this track is nicely matched by a range of other odd numbers and straighter soul cuts – and titles include "Freeze", "Super J", "Musical Son", "Junie II", "World of Woe", and "Cookies Will Get You". Suzie Super Groupie is a funky tribute to all the "Super Groupies" who were helping out the 70s music scene – maybe the closest thing that Junie Morrison every came to a concept album – and a set that's got all the same wonderful complexity of his other solo albums on Westbound! As with those records, there's a pre-Prince approach to funk that draws heavily from Ohio Players and P-Funk elements – but which really gets a sharper, more sinister focus with Junie in the lead – at a level of soulful stardom that could have made him another Bootsy Collins, if folks were ever smart enough to figure out what he was doing at the time! Titles include the funky classic "Suzie Thundertussy" – plus "Super Groupie", "Surrender", "Junie III", "What Am I Gonna Do", "Stone Face Joe", "Suzie", and "If You Love Him". Set also features rare Junie cuts – including "Junie's Ultimate Departure", "Walt's Second Trip", "Tight Rope (single)", "Loving Arms (mono)", "If You Love Him (single)", "Super J (single)", and "Granny's Funky Rolls Royce (mono)". CD

Percussionist Sabu Martinez is one of the all-time greats of Latin music – and this record is probably the rarest he ever cut! The album came out of Sweden, where Sabu was residing during the 70s – enjoying some success as an expatriot jazz player in the European scene. The album mixes Latin grooves and hard funk in a way that's rarely been duplicated, and which has ensured Sabu a place in the funk hall of fame for all time! Breakbeat fanatics have always sought out the album for the cuts "All Camels Hump" and "My Cristina" – but the whole thing's a stunning batch of hard percussion grooves, and it's well worth its rare reputation! Other tracks include "Para Ti, Tito Rodriguez", "Martin Cohen Loves Latin Percussion", "My Son Johnny & Me", and "Wounded Knee". LP, Vinyl record album

A soulful treasure from 70s France – funky fusion at its best, played by drummer Noel McGhie and his legendary Space Spies combo! The group features some sweet electric piano on all the grooves – really skipping out with a light touch that steps around McGhie's tight drum work nicely – while reeds and trumpet blow with a tone that's open and exploratory – never too "out", but reaching for the skies with a real sense of spirit! The tracks are all quite long, and have a quality that's really hard to describe – easily on a par with the best American indie soul jazz of the time, but with a flavor that's also all their own! Titles include "Trapeze", "Dancer", "Ubet", "Mademoiselle Tulloch", and "Foregone Desillusion". LP, Vinyl record album

Fantastic work from the 50s New York scene – and a legendary set that offers up its own interpretation of Santerian rhythms! The groove on the set is very percussion-heavy – and done with that rich sort of vibe you might get on some of the classic Sabu Martinez records – or maybe even some of the percussion projects that were handled by jazz labels of the time – although with a definite rootsy feel, too – as all instrumentation is focused on the rhythms. There's vocals on the set – which give it a slightly spiritual sort of energy – alongside the heavy work on maracas, bongos, claves, cow bell, and an assortment of other percussion instruments. Titles include "Obanlaese", "A Bailar Oriza", "Africa", "Laye, Laye", "Nueva Oriza", and "Malambo". LP, Vinyl record album

Sublime pop vocals from Chris Montez – recorded in that light and dreamy mode that makes his A&M records so great! Arrangements are a mix of light jazz and easy – set to a syncopated groove that's simple, sprightly, and never cloying – a style that borrows a fair bit from the inspiration of bossa nova, but gives it a uniquely 60s LA twist. Both Nick DeCaro and Herb Alpert worked on the sessions – and titles include the great single "Foolin Around", plus "Girl Talk", "Because Of You", "I'm Glad There Is You", "Dindi", "Once In Awhile", and "The End Of A Love Affair". LP, Vinyl record album

Jaunty, sprightly grooves from the wonderful Chris Montez – one of his sublime 60s classics for A&M Records, done with beautiful backings from the great Nick DeCaro! The pairing of Montez and DeCaro is totally great – as Nick finds a way to really get the right sort of punch out of Chris' light and dreamy voice – this kind of back/forth, sing/song sort of rhythm that really works wonders – taking familiar tunes, and turning them into whole new Montez-motivated numbers! There's more than a bit of bossa in the mix, and the whole thing's put together with a dreamy creamy A&M sound that really sends us – and titles include "The Girl From Ipanema", "Our Day Will Come", "Time After Time", "Elena", "Going Out Of My Head", and "Sunny". LP, Vinyl record album

What better way to describe Wes' playing than an easy groove! Also released under the Montgomery Brothers name, this side has a nice breezy quality to it, with backing by his brothers Buddy & Monk on piano & bass, plus Harold Land on tenor. The sides were recorded a few years earlier, in the 50s, with a nice crisp quality to the playing, though there are a few pieces recorded at other sessions, one number with Freddie Hubbard, "Bock to Bock" and another in a more Mastersounds mode, "Baubles, Bangles & Beads". Also includes "Far Wes", "Leila" & "Hymn for Carl". LP, Vinyl record album

Lou's normally a straight charanga-type artist, but on this excellent set, he goes for that "New York" sound – meaning that he picks up a sweet bit of Latin funk, and carves out a soulful NuYorican groove! Many tracks have lyrics in English – set to jumpy rhythms often driven by a fair bit of electric bass, handled in a very soul-heavy style. Titles include "Gotta Move", "Oh How I Think About You", "I'll Call Her Monday", "Fryin Pan Man", "Caribbean Woman", "Guajira Con Tumbao", "Pins & Needles", and "Senor Babalu". LP, Vinyl record album

A rare disco outing from funky drummer Alphonze Mouzon – one of a few albums he cut with the group Poussez! Alphonze is very much in charge of the groove here – handling all writing, arranging, and production chores for the record – and playing drums, keyboards, and percussion, while also throwing in a bit of his own vocals too! The groove is less of the guitar-heavy funk of Mouzon's mid 70s years, and very much the disco set you'd guess from the cover – and despite the image of a sexy duo on the front, Poussez is actually a trio of female singers, plus one other member who delivers "moaning and handclaps"! Tracks are all long, and with a very good instrumental undercurrent – with guest work from Bob Malach, Randy Brecker, and Ray Gomez – and titles include "Come On & Do It", "Boogie With Me", "You're All I Have", and "Never Gonna Say Goodbye". CD features a bonus disco mix of "Come On & Do It" by Ray Thode. CD

Sadness on guitar – a perfect title for Baden Powell's work on his chosen instrument, especially the way he could bring a simple but emotive style to his music! Powell's work on guitar here is often quite spare, but beautifully handled – set up with rhythms by a small combo that includes Milton Banana on drums alongside added percussion, as well as some especially great flute from Copinha – and recorded with an echoey style that makes each new note resonate with tremendous strength. The overall groove is a bit more upbeat than some of Powell's other "on guitar" sessions for MPS – with a number of tracks that hit the livelier groove of his earlier Brazilian recordings. Titles include a great spare version of "Round Midnight", plus "O Astronauta", "Sarava", "Canto De Xango", "Canto De Ossanha", and "Som Do Carnival". LP, Vinyl record album

They certainly got the title right on this one – as the album's overflowing with earlier hits by Perez Prado, re-recorded here for the hi-fi generation, with really swinging RCA sound! The numbers include some perennial Perez favorites – including "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White", "In A Little Spanish Town", "Caballo Negro", "Mambo Jambo", and the legendary "Mambo Number 5". A nice way to get all of his best stuff on wax! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the more masterful albums that Prado cut for RCA, and a thrilling set of tracks with a very haunting feel. The entirety of side one features the extended "Exotic Suite Of The Americas", which has a storming Latin sound, mixed with nice exotica touches. The flipside features shorter tracks, but also done in a manner that has a wide dynamic range, with some startling arrangements. Titles include "Son Of A Gun", "Mama Yo Quiero", and "El Relicario". LP, Vinyl record album

Jazzy mambos from the king – and easily the most successful of Perez Prado's albums for RCA in the 50s! The album showcases the Latin mode that Prado crossed over big with on his hit "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White" – a tune that almost single-handedly grabbed the energy and audiences of the late swing years, and grafted them onto the growing New York Latin scene of the time! Prado's got that great growl in his chants, as usual – pushing the band to even more rhythmic heights and brassy horn flourishes with his trademark calls – and titles include the classic "Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White", as well as tracks like "Tomcat Mambo", "Mambo Ala Kenton", "The High & The Mighty", "Marilyn Monroe Mambo", and "Skokiaan". LP, Vinyl record album

One of Perez Prado's classics, with a side of Latin stuff and a side of jazz stuff – all played by Prado's classic group. Tracks include "Maria Bonita", "Machaca", "Marta", "Fireworks", "Leo's Special", and "Lullaby Of Birdland". Good 50's Mambo, in the same vein as a lot of the other Latin LPs on RCA at the same time. LP, Vinyl record album

Willie Rodriguez at his 60s best – driving his combo with a fire and fury that few other Latin leaders could match! The grooves here are raw and tight, right from the start – a recasting of Cuban descarga modes into an even tighter combo setting – with percussion leading the way on just about every cut, topped with some sweet horn solos and vocals by a young and soulful Adalberto Santiago! The album's a real shining jewel in the early catalog of Fonseca Records – and titles include "Mi Montuno", "Mozambique", "Cimarron", "Colorin Colorado", "El Ritmo Lo Traigo Yo", and "Monte Adentro". LP, Vinyl record album

The legendary Rinder & Lewis team headed up this Frenchy effort by the pop disco group Saint Tropez. The centerpiece is the album's cover of Serge Gainsbourg's classic "Je T'Aime", redone here with a distinct 70s feel, and a groove that's just right for the dancefloor. Other tunes include "Coeur A Coeur", "On Rien A Perdre", and "La Symphonie Africaine". LP, Vinyl record album

Fast and funky from Harvey! "Broadway Freeze" is a sock-soul number that begins with a rolling drum approach and Harvey stating that the band's from Milwaukee – then rolls into a storming groove that's pure Alvin Cash, with Harvey shouting "sockit sockit" along with the group! "Can't Cry" is more of a southern-tinged number – starts slow, then picks up the pace with a groove that's a bit Memphis-y, or almost in a Wicked Pickett mode! 7-inch, Vinyl record

14 tracks from Yost & Funk, Kevin Yost, Jazz-N-Groove, Richard Les Crees, The Soul Immigrants, Somore, STP, Fresh & Low, Fish Go Deep, Fredrik Stark, and Two Tone. CD

Warm, soulful sounds from a crucial time in the Japanese music scene – a 70s moment when the nation was finding a special groove of its own – but one that also drew heavily from American soul and jazz as well! It's no secret that the Japanese have always had a great love of American sounds – but by the mid 70s, that longtime love had also turned into some great homegrown sounds of their own – as Japan developed a number of its own strong soul singers, who were often backed by the ever-growing array of great jazz musicians, particularly those of the fusion side of the spectrum. Plus, there also seemed to be a lot more criss-crossing between Tokyo and US studios at the time – particularly those on the west coast – which resulted in a special blend of sounds that had all the class and cool of the Japanese urban scene, but also some of the sunniness of the west coast too. That special mix of music is perfectly summed up here – in a collection that offers up plenty of cuts that were never issued outside of Japan back in the day – with vocals both in English and Japanese, and plenty of grooves that are perfect for any fan of fusion-styled R&B. Titles include the classic "LA Nights" by Yasuko Agawa – plus "Say Goodbye" by Hiroshi Sato, "I Say Who" by Tomoko Soryo, "Sports Men" by Haruomi Hosoni, "Midnight Driver" by Minako Yoshida, "Machibouke" by Tazumi Toyoshima, "Exotic Yokogao" by Hitomi Tohyama, "Lady Pink Panther" by Shigeru Suzuki, "Drip Dry Eyes" by Yukihiro Takahashi, and "Bamboo Vendor" by Masayoshi Takanaka. CD

One of the greatest soundtracks ever from Luiz Bacalov – a set that's filled with sex and slink, but which also has a great sense of groove as well – blending bossa jazz, mod moments, and all the best styles of the late 60s Italian scene! The music is mostly acoustic, but has a really great way of using sustained notes on flute – which creates this dreamy vibe that's almost electric, especially when offset by acoustic basslines, percussion, and piano – all used at a level that's right up there with the best from Morricone or Trovajoli at the time! There's also wonderful drifting vocals in the mix – courtesy of Nora Orlandi – and titles include "Round Nassau", "Swingin Easy In Tanganika", "Rio Zona Sul", "L'Amica", and "Taxi Cab 67". Features two bonus tracks – "L'Amica (ripresa)" and "The Bitter Truth (inst)". LP, Vinyl record album

A super huge hit for George Benson – and the record that took him from being a funky jazz guitarist into an R&B superstar – opening up sides of his talent that first emerged on his 50s R&B recordings as Little George Benson, but taken here into some very hip 70s territory! The album features George both playing and singing over arrangements by Claus Ogerman – some of Ogerman's best of the 70s, work that mixes together his trademark pillow of sound with a slightly funky bounce that's perfect for Benson's groove. The result is incredible – and the album is filled with loads of great songs – including George's excellent version of Bobby Womack's "Breezin", the hit version of "This Masquerade", and the cuts "So This Is Love", "Six To Four", and "Affirmation". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

Not the kind of straight Latin music you might expect, but a wonderful album of 60s pop from Trini Lopez – served up in a groove that's a fair bit like some of the contemporary Latin-tinged projects recorded over at A&M! Most numbers here are familiar ones, but recast in Spanish language lyrics, and given arrangements that mix jaunty 60s pop with south of the border-styled rhythms – all with a feel that's slightly loungey, but in a very nice way! Titles include "San Francisco De Assisi", "Pancho Lopez", "Spanish Harlem", "Watch What Happens", "Amor", "Tengo Nada", and "Yours". LP, Vinyl record album

A well-done look at the music of Ray Perez – one of the hardest-hitting Latin leaders on the Venezuelan scene in the 70s, and a musician who's finally getting his due on the global scene! Ray's got a groove that's nice and sharp, and at times maybe more tuned towards the small combo sound of the New York scene of the late 60s, rather than the bigger salsa modes of the 70s – driven on strongly by plenty of percussion at the bottom, and sewn together by great piano work from Ray himself! The collection brings together cuts from Ray's short-lived El Casabe group – titles that include "La Idea", "Oye Nena", "La Reina", "Adios Bogota", "El Bonche Se Formo", "Lamento Del Campesino", "Galeron Con Maype", "Santa", and "Campesino Nuestra". LP, Vinyl record album

Forget the white dudes on the cover – as the set's a very hip one from Perez Prado – featuring a hard new groove in "La Chunga" – and other nice originals too! LP, Vinyl record album

Sweet soulful fusion from Alex Rodriguez – a Venezuelan guitarist, but one who recorded this set up in New York – which means that he's got some great help from other American musicians too! Yet the record's not the kind of slick fusion material that bigger labels were putting out at the time – as the whole thing was only issued as a small indie release down in Venezuela, which makes an especially interesting setting for the talents of top shelf players like Jorge Dalto on keyboards and Ronnie Cuber on saxes – both musicians who add plenty to the groove alongside the guitar lines of the leader! All tracks are original, and titles include "Cumana", "Del Puerto A Cumana", "Minuet", "Mochima", "Quetepe", "Caripe", and "El Mercado". LP, Vinyl record album

... LP, Vinyl record album

Badass work from Martha Velez – a rock singer at the core, but one with some plenty soulful touches! The album's a UK effort with help from a host of top-shelf talents at the time – but the groove is pretty gritty, and almost has that key rock/funk crossover mode that female singers were hitting in the US – a somewhat colorblind groove that often worked better for a singer like Velez than it did for male vocalists trying for a similar groove. Drums are nice and heavy on some cuts, and the album sports organ from Brian Auger, guitar from Eric Clapton, and heavy bass from Jack Bruce. Titles include "Swamp Man", "I'm Gonna Leave You", "Drive Me Daddy", "Feel So Bad", "Tell Mama", "Very Good Fandango", "A Fool For You", and "Come Here Sweet Man". CD

Brazilian fusion from Denmark – a really wonderful set from this cool Scandinavian combo! The record feels a fair bit like some of the Brazilian jazz coming out of the west coast of the US during the 70s – soaring, soulful, and put together with a breezy brilliance that almost takes off into hipper new directions than work coming out from Brazil at the time. And like most of that other work, this album's a hip mix of acoustic and electric jazz elements – great keyboards folded in alongside tenor sax, bass, and percussion – and topped with vocals on a few cuts too! There's a nicely free sense to the rhythms – but one that's never too open-ended – and for comparison's sake, the material also feels a bit like some of the best grooves on the early volumes of the Glucklich series on Compost. Titles include "Black Wing", "The Girl With Three Faces", "Would You", "When I Close My Eyes", "7:47 To Rio", and "From Dusk Towards Dawn". LP, Vinyl record album

A strangely beautiful set of African-tinged folksy soul – with a sound that's pretty darn tough to describe! Birigwa plays guitar and sings – and he's got a breezy style that sounds a bit like Letta Mbulu on some tracks – but a bit more folksy on others, given the largely acoustic setting of the album. The rest of the instrumentation here includes a range of percussionists, plus flute, tenor, piano, flugelhorn, and bass – the last of which is played by Phil Morrison of Stark Reality. Many of the tracks are short, personal, and poetic – but the album also features one longer cut titled – "Yelewa" – which has a jamming Afro jazz sort of groove! Other tracks include "Lule Lule", "Okusosla", "Njabala", and "Obugumba". CD

A true orgy in rhythm from Art Blakey – a set that not only features his drums next to the kit of Art Taylor, but which also adds in a bevy of other percussionists – including Sabu Martinez, Patato Valdez, and Jose Valentine! Joe Jones and Specs Wright also bring in additional jazz drums – making for more drummers than you might even find in a high school band – all working together with amazing qualities in sound, sometimes even melodic amidst all of the rhythms. Lighter lyrical touches are provided by Herbie Mann's flute, and Ray Bryant throws in some great lines on piano – underscoring the grooves in a nice way. Titles on this first volume include "Buhaina Chant", "Split Skins", and "Toffi". LP, Vinyl record album

A true orgy in rhythm from Art Blakey – a set that not only features his drums next to the kit of Art Taylor, but which also adds in a bevy of other percussionists – including Sabu Martinez, Patato Valdez, and Jose Valentine! Joe Jones and Specs Wright also bring in additional jazz drums – making for more drummers than you might even find in a high school band – all working together with amazing qualities in sound, sometimes even melodic amidst all of the rhythms. Lighter lyrical touches are provided by Herbie Mann's flute, and Ray Bryant throws in some great lines on piano – underscoring the grooves in a nice way. Titles on this second volume include "Amuck", "Elephant Walk", and "Abdallah's Delight". LP, Vinyl record album

Rare Belgian avant jazz from the start of the 70s – and material that has the same sort of freewheeling, openly creative vibe of some of our favorite French work from the time! The style here isn't as sharp-edged as German work of the period – and has a creative warmth that's really great – swinging and rhythmic at most points, yet relatively open and very different than jazz of the decade before – with occasional vocals from a lovely female singer who has a breezy way of moving with the grooves, almost in a style that recalls Blossom Dearie, but in French – served up in a lineup that also includes some great Fender Rhodes, vibes, and guitar. Titles include "Achille", "L'Admirable Amas Cellulaire Orange", "Fanfan La Tulipe", and "La Partie D'Echecs". LP, Vinyl record album

A soul jazz Latin classic – one that matches the searing tenor work of Eddie Lockjaw Davis with the hard-hitting conga of a young Ray Barretto! The core group of the set is a soul jazz one – with Lockjaw blowing over rhythm by Lloyd Mayers on piano, Larry Gales on bass, and Ben Riley on drums – plus a small added trumpet section on a few tracks. Ray comes into the mix with some really tight percussion on the bottom, aided by a few other players at times – kicking up the tunes and giving them a lot of fire – something that Davis seems to really respond to in his horn. Thanks should also be given to arranger Gil Lopez, who put together the overall sound of the set – and the album's a hard groover all the way through, filled with Latin jammers like "Wild Rice", "Jazz-a-Samba", "Guanco Lament", "Afro Jaws", and "Tin Tin Deo". LP, Vinyl record album

Darkly brilliant – and one of Joao Donato's most fantastic records! The set was recorded during Joao's time in America in the mid 60s – cut in New York with lofty backings by Claus Ogerman, in a pillowy soft mode that fits perfectly with Joao's light bossa piano lines, and which has all the hints of sadness and moodiness that often creep into his playing. The complicated approach of the album far surpasses some of Joao's work from Brazil at the same time – and the album's one of the best of its generation, a sublime mix of all elements that still sounds as fresh today as it did in 1965! Titles include "Amazonas", "Glass Beads", "Sugarcane Breeze", "Vento Do Canavail", "It Didn't End", and "O Barquinho". LP, Vinyl record album

We love Sonny Fortune – because he always plays so great! Sonny started as more of an acoustic soul jazz player – but by the time of this session, he's working with a lot of electric backing, in a fusiony mode that should dampen his enthusiasm, but which only seems to spur him onto new heights! The group's got some killer keyboards from Larry Willis, tight guitar from Ray Gomez, and lots of Latin percussion touches that really make the grooves dance – but the real highlight is Sonny, whose tone and placement are impeccable, almost in the vein of Gary Bartz during his years with Larry Mizell, but perhaps a bit more soaring and searching. Titles include "Afortunado", "Georgiana", "Igbob's Shuffle", "Francisco" and "Come In Out Of The Rain". CD