orgyinrhythmredux

Jack Costanzo for GNP from 1956. Jack Costanzo: Bongos and Leader/ John Anderson, Paul López, Tony Terran: Trumpets Willy Gallardo: Timbales/ Manuel Ochoa (Kaskara): Vocals and Maracas /Eddie Gómez: Claves/ Ramón Rivera: Conga/Eddie Cano: Piano/Ernesto Montez: Bass/Marda Saxon: Vocal Hard as nails latin banger - All Killer No Filler - highly recommended! "Abaniquito" was the dance floor destroyer back in the day - you needed an oxygen mask after cutting the rug to that one! Here's a review by John Child: Dubbed "Mr. Bongo" by the eminent jazz critic Leonard Feather, Jack Costanzo is credited with introducing the bongos into American popular music when he joined Stan Kenton's band in 1947. He deliberately emulated the trumpet conjunto format of Cuba's La Sonora Matancera to achieve the album's fat sound and tips his hat to the group by covering their hit "Melao de Caña". Personnel include the incredible pianist Eddie Cano and trumpeter Paul ...

Potter & Tillman for Poet Records from 1981. Rare private press album on a jazz funk tip from Potter and Tillman which has also been referred to/known as "Steinway & Sons" Not my usual bag but there's a few bombs on here in the shape of "New Anniversary Waltz" and "Sing A Simple Song Of Praise" plus the two intro cuts. One for the soul boys in 81...and probably now for many of the followers of OIR(or possibly not given only 3 comments against 200+ d/loads in first 2 days)

Les McCann for Pacific Jazz from 1964. Best album Les ever did imo which features the mighty latin dancefloor bomb "McCanna". Les plays with his LTD trio, plus the added percussion of Willie Correa, who plays bongos, conga, and timbales on the album for a strong latin feel that's missing from Les' other recordings.5 cracking originals,couple of standards(just love the rolling "St James Infirmary")and a stomping Mancini-Mercer tune. Can't believe this has never got a reissue. All Killer No Filler.

Kathryn Moses for PM Records from 1979. Kathryn Moses Vocals,Flutes & Saxophones ;Doug Riley Pianos ;Robert Piltch Guitars Erica Goodman Harp ;David Piltch Basses ;Terry Clarke Drums ;Buff Allen Drums Don Alias Percussion And another one for the flute freaks this time from the vaults of PM Records who were responsible for some of the most hard ass fusion committed to vinyl-think Steve Grossman , Stone Alliance ,Elvin Jones.Well,here's something a little different from them. "Music In My Heart" was the big tune back in the day for the likes of Paul Murphy and Chris Bangs along with the funky "Lucky Duck". Dusty Groove had it on a blink and miss it cd reissue from Celeste(now oop) so here's their review.My post is ripped from the original long gone vinyl: The second album from Kathryn Moses a sweet mix of warm vocals, funky flute, and even a bit of sax! Kathyrn's as great a singer as she is an instrumentalist and the album offers equal parts of her tal...

Ray Mantilla for Inner City from 1977. Ray Mantilla-Percussion;Jeremy Steig-Flute;Carl Ratzer-Guitar;Eddie Gomez-Bass;Joe Chambers-Drums,Piano,Marimba Heavy duty latin business from Ray replete with white trousers, purple polo neck , medallion and a shit eating grin - GEARS!!!!!! All Killer No Filler - end of story. Bomb.

Eddie Marshall for Timeless from 1977. Emanuel 'Manny' Boyd (ss, ts), Bobby Hutcherson (vib), George Cables (p), James Leary (b), Eddie Marshall (d, per) Check the line up - yep it's Hutcherson's band from the mid 70s but with the drummer as leader. Four compositions from Marshall,one from Hutch and an old warhorse in "Salt Peanuts". Quality assurance guaranteed no need to sit and pontificate about this one! Here's an excerpt from an interview which Eddie did with Eric Muhler : Eric: How many CD's have you recorded in your own name? Eddie: Just one. One CD and one album. Eric: Record album? That vinyl stuff that nobody knows about anymore? (Laughter) Eddie: Yeah. I don't know if I even have it here. In my own name that's what I've done. Eric: Really? How come not more? Eddie: Because…you make records to sell them! (Laughter) Eric: Not necessarily! (More laughter) Not here in the Bay Area! Eddie: The first one I made I was working with Bobby...

Dewey Redman for Galaxy from 1979. Dewey Redman-Tenor,Musette,Harp,Vocal;Fred Simmons-Piano,Cowbell;Mark Helias-Bass;Eddie Moore-Drums,Percussion,Saw,Vocal. Paul Murphy flogged this to Chris Bangs who would drop the cut "Unknown Tongue" from the lp in his DJ sets back in the early 80s which is where I first heard it.What a tune!!! Kicking off with the high pitched Middle Eastern whine of Dewey on musette which is joined after a few minutes with the bowed bass of Mark Helias....then comes the marching snare and percussion of Eddie Moore and the bow is dumped for a bass line worthy of Cecil McBee while the musette keens on....until the whine drops down and out while the bass/percussion remain then Dewey begins speaking in tongues...shouting and gabbling away like a man possessed but that rhythm keeps it all storming ahead...then back in with the musette to a fade...Bomb! Can you imagine the impact this had on a crowd of southern soul boys all waiting to hit the floor to Lonnie ...

Don Burrows for Columbia Australia from 1969. Haven't posted a soundtrack for aeons so here's a piece of vinyl all the way from Simon's homeland via the miracle(or should that be curse?)of ebay. Now very rare and highly collectible, it is in its own right a very fine set of late Sixties Australian modern jazz, performed by the cream of Sydney's jazz and studio session scene of that time including Burrows, George Golla, Graham Lyall, Ed Gaston and John Sangster Here's what James Pianta from Votary Records (who put it in his top 10 Aussie albums) had to say about it at aussiefunk blogspot : 2000 Weeks OST – Don Burrows (1968) OK, I must admit that a lot of Burrows solo work in the 70’s is not really my thing. I guess that’s the problem with being so prolific, some work is bound to suffer. But this late 60’s soundtrack to the Tim Burstall film on the other hand is simply brilliant. I have never seen the film, as I don’t think it ever saw a VHS release. It’s a dark and ...

Les Demerle for Bar T from 1978. Les DeMerle-Drums;Dido-Percussion;Don Menza-Tenor,Soprano,Flute;Jim Coile- Alto , Tenor,Soprano,Flute;Rex Robinson-Bass;Ramsey Embick-Rhodes,Clavinet,Synthesizers;Ralph Rickert - Trumpet,Flugelhorn;Ronald Muldrow-Guitar Les DeMerle and Transfusion with another supercharged 70s fusion banger.Heavier on the funk side for this outing with some fucking awful vocals from Josh Hanna thankfully limited to a couple of cuts.Subtle it aint but Don Menza's "Sambandrea Swing" sets the floor on fire and Stu Goldberg's "Quetzal" is pretty good too.

Art Farmer for Sonet from 1976. Art Farmer, trumpet, flugelhorn / Jan Schaffer, guitar / Gran Strandberg, piano /Red Mitchell, bass / Sabu Martinez, percussion / Tony Inzalaco, drums /Island Ostlund, drums The lyrical Art teams up with the mighty Sabu for this Swedish session featuring a cracker in "Green Witch" plus a reading of the Heath Bros "Smiling Billy" - nice! This Sonet LP finds Art Farmer with an atypical supporting group that includes fellow veteran Red Mitchell on bass, Latin percussionist Sabú Martínez, and several Europeans, among them guitarist Jan Schaffer and pianist Goran Strandberg. The opener, an easygoing take of "It Might As Well Be Spring," finds Farmer finally opening up in the closing chorus. Farmer's rich-toned flugelhorn interacts beautifully with Mitchell's imaginative bassline in the swinging take of "Come Rain or Come Shine," while the brisk bossa nova "Green Witch" is one of the more challenging ch...

Airto for Montuno from 1988. One for Greg and the Class A Crew. Flora Purim, Alphonso Johnson, Angel Maldonado, Bruce Bigenho, David Tolegian, Dom Camardella, Don Alias, Frank Colon, Giovanni Hidalgo, Jeff Eliot, Jill Avery, Joe Farell, Jorge Dalto, Kei Akagi, Keith Jones, Larry Nass, Laudir de Oliveira, Luiz Munoz, Michael Shapiro, Rafael Jose, Randy Tico, Raúl de Souza, Roland Bautista, Rolando Gingras, Tony Moreno Featuring the monster dancefloor destroyer "Samba de Flora" the quintessential Dingwalls tune for me.Sunday afternoon pissed as arseholes staggering round the floor like a tramp on a mission for special brew while shaking an inebriated leg-fucking priceless! "One of the most gorgeous records I've ever heard, mostly because it was one of pianist Jorge Dalto's final recording sessions. His playing here is compelling, spiritual and exhausting. Airto's surprising and beautiful baritone Spanish vocal on 'La Puerta,' with only piano accompanime...

Hugo Fattoruso for Som Gente Brazil from 1990. Hugo Fattoruso : Keyboards,Piano,Voice,Percussion,Acoustic Guitar/José San Martin : Drums/Mauro Senise : Flute,Saxphone Soprano/Zeca Assumpção : Cello/Sizão Machado : Electric Bass/Ulisses Rocha : Guitar,Tambores Candombe/Dário Bracco : Tambor Piano/Fernando Banega : Tambor Chico/Jorge Luiz Gomes : Tambor Repique/Juan Angel : Tambor Piano/Juan Silva : Tambor Chico/Lobo Nuñes : Tambor Piano/Manoel Silva : Tambor Chico/Ruben Rada : Voz, Tambor Piano/Washington Ciruja : TamborRepique/Wilson Martirena : Tambor Repique Tough latin fusion from Uruguay via Brazil.This one ranges from the candombe rhythms of "Lonjas Del Cuareim" to the samba fusion bangers "Estrela Distante","O Sambinha" & "La Papa" to a post prog rock work out on "Feria de Tristan Narvaja". Here's a potted bio of Fattoruso from bigworldmusic.com Hugo Fattoruso, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, began his musical career as a pro...

Solar Plexus for Inner City from 1979. Flute,Sax - Glenn Richardson / Keyboards - Denny Berthiaume/ Trumpet,Percussion - Randy Masters/ Vocals ,Percussion- Lin McPhillips /Bass- MickeyMcPhillips/Drums,Percussion-Russ Tincher/Kenneth Nash-Percussion The third lp from Randy Masters' Solar Plexus which continues to plough the latin jazz fusion furrow to great effect.Check out the long intro cuts on each side of the lp "Voa, Quetzali!" & "Xango-Bahiana" for the best moments and give a wide berth to "Stutz Bearcat" which is a real stinker. Here's the write up at Kosmigroove from Eric Golub who joined the band after this lp: Co-founded by trumpeter/composer Randy Masters and keyboardist/composer Denny Berthiaume. Featured rather complex arrangements, with Masters' compositions favoring Brazilian elements, and Berthiaume's wedding fusion ...

Ronald Snijders for Black Straight Music from 1981. Moving over to Holland for private press business and a tough lp for the funky flute freaks! Check out "Latinetta","Wildgrass" and "Tori" for foot shufflin' action. Here's a bit more about Ronald from his website: Ronald Snijders is considered to be the most swinging flutist in the Netherlands (Jazz magazine Jazz nu), and the inventor of African Surinam kawinajazz. He was born in Paramaribo, Suriname in 1951 and started to play the flute at the age of seven, influenced by his professionally fluteplaying father. In his youth he also practised guitar, sax, some piano and percussion, playing popular music, classical music, Brazilian music plus jazz. In september of 1970 he settled in Delft, the Netherlands to study civil engineering, but about five years later he was a professional selftaught musician. Among his awards shines the Press prize at the prestigious NOS jazzconcours of 1973 in Laren, wo...

Max Greger,Milan Pilar and Charly Antolini for Calig from 1975. Greger-Keyboards,Pilar-Bass,Antolini-Drums. Now oop -here's the dusty groove review: A classic bit of 70s funk from Germany .This rare 1975 set was the brainchild of 3 of Germany's funkiest jazz players -- drummer Charly Antolini, whose drums crackled on some of the best MPS recordings; keyboardist Max Greger Jr, who made some great straighter albums in the 60s; and bassist Milan Pilar, an electric player with a really warm and round tone. Together, the trio grooves through some excellent funky numbers really jamming with a soulful groove, as Greger switches effortlessly between piano, moog, Fender Rhodes, mellotron, and organ! Includes the funky break classic "Onkel Joe" plus gems like "Moonlight On a Bald Head", "Catch Up", "Blues For The Kaiser", "Lydia", and "Spinning Wheel". Their first album 'Catch Up' was recorded in 1975 in the legendary Mu...

Robin Jones for Apollo Sound from 1972. Robin Jones-Drums,Percussion;Tony Uter:Congas;Simon Morton-Bongos;Olaf Vas-Sax,Flute;Roy Edwards-Trumpet;John Porter-Keyboards;Percy Borthwick-Bass. Another latin library banger from the wonderful Robin Jones. The big cuts spinnin' out the jazz dancers back in the day were "Atlas" and "El Maja" and you can hear that the Jones seven had assimilated much of the boogaloo and funk influences from Mighty Mongo's band of the time. As you can probably guess this one's yet another All Killer No Filler

Luis Gasca for Atlantic from 1969. Luis Gasca (Trumpet),Joe Henderson (Tenor),Herbie Hancock (Piano), Hubert Laws (Flute), Chuck Rainey (Bass), Marty Sheller (Cowbell), Steve Barrios (Timbales),Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (Drums), Mongo Santamaria (Conga). Luis Gasca's first solo outing featuring a burning version of "Motherless Child" and a super heavy "Afro Blue" - here's Dusty Groove on the case again: A rare album by the great west coast Latin trumpeter Luis Gasca, and argubly the best album he ever recorded! The set was recorded in New York during the late 60's, and features a great lineup of musicians that includes Paul Griffin on piano, Joe Henderson on tenor, Herbie Hancock on piano, Mongo santamaria on conga, and Bernard Purdie on drums. The style's a mix of soul jazz, Latin, and bits of modal riffing and the record features some beautiful large arrangements by Gasca and Mark Levine, in a style that's a bit like some of Duke Pearso...

Shirley Scott for Impulse from 1965. Reposted from OIR August 2006. A lovely piece of organ led loungecore jazz arranged and conducted by Gary McFarland with Bob Thiele on prodction duties from 1965 on Impulse.Our girl Shirl (she was married to Stanley Turrentine from 61-71)is on B3 supported by McFarland,Bob Cranshaw,Willie Rodrigues,Mel Lewis and Jim Raney who are also joined by a string section on some cuts.This album features the insanely catchy "Hanky Panky"and a great version of "Soul Sauce". This is what dusty groove had to say about it: A great album from Shirley Scott - with some excellent arrangements by Gary McFarland! We've always felt that Shirley plays best when she's not leading the group -- when someone else is handling the arrangements, so that she can groove mightily on her own -- and this album is a perfect illustration of that fact! The album has a sparkling bossa and 60s groove finish -- similar to McFarland's albums for Verve at the...

Robin Jones for Apollo Sound from 1971. A swift OIR repost from 2 1/2 years ago for the cheeky south london bastard! Old school latin jazz from Robin Jones-this lp was dug up from obscurity by Paul Murphy in the early 80s and hammered at the Electric Ballroom, The Wag and Jazzrooms around the country.He picked up a supply of copies and sold them from his shop in Soho which is where I got mine. Essentially a library lp this was released by Apollo Sound and recorded straight to two track with no overdubbing at CTS Studios in London.The quintet was made up of Robin Jones-Drums and Percussion;Tony Uter-Congas;Simon Morton-Bongos;Percy Borthwick-Bass;Olaf Vas-Bass;Ian Henry-Piano.The music falls in to two broad rhythmic genres-Afro-Cuban and Brazilian and was an attempt to capture the more "tipico" feel of latin music.Jones had played bongos for Edmundo Ross in the 60s and Borthwick had been a session musician working with Chocolate Armenteros andCharlie Palmieri.Heres a bit more ...

Johnny Walker for Walk-On from 1982. Johnny Walker-Trumpet;Kim Davis-Bass;Larry Aberman-Drums Percussion;Charles Stephens-Trombone;Tom Chapin-Alto;Sam Turner-Percussion;Martin Aubert-Guitar;Robert Damper-Keyboards;Rick Kriska-Flute;Al Givens-Sax. Produced,Arranged and Composed by Johnny Walker for Walk On Enterprises. Private pressing business with a session spanning hard bop to funk for Johnny Walker who was hot to trot straight out of Lionel Hampton's big band. "Arrival" and "Dipping" were the tunes bangin' out the jazz rooms at the time. Here's what Lionel had to say about his young protege: "Johnny Walker -Trumpeter,Flugelhornist,Composer,Arranger and Band Leader is destined to become one of the major voices of the 80s.When Johnny came to my band in 1980 he brought with him a a positive professional attitude and an eagerness to learn and develop musically.His trumpet playing showed maturity and strength whether out front soloing or as part of th...

Peskypesky has been good enough to drop a link in the comments for an excellent interview with Freddie Hubbard by Ben Sidran.Take the time to have a listen-it's extremely interesting stuff. Thanks very much to Peskypesky for the drop. Here's the link: benandfreddie

Freddie Hubbard for Columbia from 1978. Joe Henderson (tenor), Hubert Laws (flute), Ron Carter (bass), Jack DeJohnette (drums) George Benson (guitar) Kenny Barron (acoustic and electric keyboards). This session proves that commercial accessibility can coexist with high artistic standards. In lesser hands, much of this material would sound like smooth jazz; here the interpretations are deep and wide, rewarding repeated listenings. The rhythm section, for example: Carter's acoustic bass is propulsive without edginess, layered with subtle timbres, while DeJohnette plays with a part-swing, part-funk feel that can only be described as Jack Swing. Barron's keyboard is fluid and flexible, his acoustic solo on Theme for Kareem an expose of rolling accents and morphing melody bytes; Laws is technically brilliant, executing difficult lines with unforced grace; Henderson plays with scruffy precision, weaving in and out of the changes, rounding corners, sliding without skidding out of con...

One of my first jazz lps,one of my first jazz concerts,an artist who saw me through from fusion to hard bop to the new thing and back again. Totally gutted to see he died today-he will be sadly missed.Freddie has been a big part of my record collection for over 30 years.I shall be spinning "Blue Spirits","High Energy"and "The Love Connection" tonight. What a bummer.

Cicci Santucci and Enzo Scoppa Group for Dire Italy from 1971. Recorded and Produced in Rome June 1971 by Piero Umiliani. Cicci Santucci(tp,arr); Enzo Scoppa(ts,comp); Joel Vandrokenbrak(org); Franco D'Andrea(p,el-p); Bruno Tommaso(b); Roberto Podio, Gegé Munari, Bruno Biriaco(perc). Moving to Italy and Rome 1971 for this fabulous P.Umiliani production of the Santucci Scoppa Group who are on fire for this set of ten originals which fair crackle off the wax with sheer energy and intensity. Every cut's a winner but just check out the super tough dancers "Camel Walk" and "Tip Cat" ,El Gato influenced "Tagana",the 6/8 Sardininan sounds of "Barbagia" and the dark modality of "Generational Gap". Umiliani comments on the rear sleeve "I asked them[Santucci/Scoppa]for incisive and strong themes,but not artificially obscure just to be modern ,rhythms rich and contemporary,a whole array of different atmospheres,and most of all,brief s...

Barcenlona Traction for Oliba Spain from 1975. Lucky Guri-Piano,Fender Rhodes,Mini Moog/Francis Rabassa-Drums,Percussion/Jordi Clua-Bass/Pedrito Diaz-Percussion/Manuel Joseph-Percussion Moving down to Spain for another European obscurity this is a rare Spanish only tough jazz/latin funk album stuffed with bombs from the stop 'n' go "Sudamerica" to the ever buliding intensity of "Estudi En Afro". It's been on heavy rotation on my turntable since purchasing and certainly one of my top buys this year.It just grows and grows on you with every cut a winner.Not a cheap one to pick up but worth ever penny-All Killer No Filler! Highly Recommended.

Montevideo for SweDisc Japan from 1978. Hans Olsson - Keyboards/Salomon Helperin-Horns/Ulf Wakenius-Guitar/Jan Forslund-Saxes/Mikael Anderson-Drums,Percussion/Thomas Fantokurtos-Bass. A real obscurity and a first in the blogosphere.Keeing with the Swedish theme a nice bit of Scandinavian fusion with a latin twist via Japan. Try googling this and see what you get-nada! The bass player's been listening to Pastorius big time while the rest of the band seem to be in Weather Report territory with a helping of Spanish guitar plus some candomble/latin elements. Check out the massive bass driven percussion and chants of "El Travajo" and the samba sounds of "Light Hour". If anyone can shed any more light on this session drop a comment in the box.

Hot Salsa for Amigo from 1984. MATS HERMANSSON, Trombone/ERIK HENRIKSEN, Bongos/TORBJONRN LANGBORN, Piano, Bata JAN LEVANDER, Tenor/FREDRICK NOREN, Trumpet/HUMBERTO ROSALES, Congas, Bata, vocals/RAFAEL SIDA, Timbales/WILFREDO STEPHENSON, Bass,Percussion,Vocal Keeping it Swedish and keeping it latin here's a jazz meets salsa bomb from Wilfredo Stephenson and friends. Peruvian-born Wilfredo Stephenson moved to Sweden in 1968 and after a short lived career as an economist, he decided to pack it all up to play Latin music.He studied and played with Sabu Martinez and was inspired to record this album by the Monday night Salsa meets Jazz sessions at the Village Gate in New York. Composer, singer, songwriter, bassist, percussionist and arranger, Mr. Stephenson leads a talented group of mostly Swedish musicians called Hot Salsa. Oozing in creative energy, this highly original group serves up a musical treat that doesn't forget the dancer. Check out the barnstorming versions of Night In...

Holy shit....Christmas has arrived 3 weeks early !!! Not one but two sets of previously unreleased sessions from the mighty Sabu Martinez! I ordered both today and for obvious reasons will not be posting them so I strongly recommend you put your money where your ears are and pick 'em up pronto. Sounds of the Universe in London have audio samples from the Burnt Sugar Session and both the cd/lp in stock. Honest Jons have both the Burnt Sugar and The Wind and Skins(featuring Sahib Shihab)sets in stock -I've ordered both from them.Be warned there are bonus tracks on the Burnt Sugar cd which means if you are a sad bastard like me and another member of the blogging fraternity(hello katonah!!!) you'll be coughing up for both vinyl and cd! Now check out Mellotronen who discovered and issued the sessions for more info on Winds and Skins & Burnt Sugar . That's my Christmas sorted - bollocks to everything else!!!

Wilfredo Stephenson for Amigo from 1982. I think this has had more requests for a repost than any other album at O.I.R. since I last posted it in September 06.So I've ripped it again but at 320 this time. Keeping the Percussion theme here's a great piece of wax from Europe-Sweden to be precise-recorded in 1981 for Amigo Records.Those of you who are on the case will know that Wilfredo Stephenson was the percussion wiz behind Hot Salsa but for this outing he recorded under his own name ,wrote all bar two of the compositions and used some of the Hot Salsa line up as well as Tobjorn Langborn,Carlos Leon,Per Cussion etc. This is a pretty rare lp that has many great tunes but the standout tune is "Aire para respirar" that starts like a massive batucada but goes into a lovely uplifting, vocal fusion tune -big out on the floor back in the day.It's a terrific album and it proves shows the Swedish CAN play great latin music.Actually thinking about it I'm pretty sure I r...

Cal Tjader for Fantasy from 1977. Bass - Rob Fisher Congas - Poncho Sanchez Drums - Pete Riso Electric Piano - Lonnie Hewitt Vibraphone, Timbales - Cal Tjader Review lifted from allaboutjazz: Tjader's The Grace Cathedral Concert (released on LP as Fantasy 9521) is much more of a jazz performance than Guaraldi's. It's a typical mid 70s program for the virbraphonist featuring such staples as "I Showed Them," Milt Jackson's "Bluesology" (with "Bag's Groove" quotes), a Black Orpheus medley dedicated to former Tjader pianist Vince Guaraldi, the standard "Body and Soul" and Tjader's "Theme" (based on "Freddie Freeloader"). The quintet works well together. Hewitt's subtle use of the electric piano is a nice foil to Tjader's vibes and doesn't sound nearly as dated as one might expect. Tjader puts his heart and swing into the performance, sustaining tones almost on que. Each member of the quintet is ...

Bobby Paunetto for Mardi Gras from late 60s. Dusty Groove: One of our favorite Latin jazz albums ever -- and a truly amazing record! Bobby Pauntteo, aka Bobby Vince Paunetto, is probably best known for his groundbreaking Latin fusion albums of the NuYorican era -- but this rare gem from the 60s shows that he was a really forward thinker, even at a younger age! The sound is incredibly hard to define -- a blend of modal jazz, Latin rhythms, and a uniquely lyrical approach to the percussion that makes the record take off to places you'd never expect. Bobby's conception is mindblowing from start to finish -- and the record's even got some wonderful tracks that feature English vocals on top of the hip vibes-driven sound of the instrumentation. A gem throughout -- and the kind of record we'll take to the grave!

Guanabara for Baystate Japan from 1984. This one's for Greg. Steve Sacks-Saxes,Flute;Cyro Baptiste-Percussion;Alfredo Cardim-Rhodes,Piano;Duduca Fonseca-Drums;Dennis Irwin-Bass;Claudio Roditi-Trumpet,Trombone;David Sacks-Trombone. From the sleeve notes: Great Music has the power to make us forget the places where we are and where we come from.We of Guanabara feel the power in the music of Charlie Parker,Antonio Carlos Jobim and the others who inspire us.At the same time there are special places which themselves have the power to move us to make music.We dedicate this record to the music and mystery of these places in both of our native countries-Brazil and America. Dusty Groove(used copy-out of stock): A sweet set of Brazilian jazz tunes played by a warmly soulful group that includes Claudio Roditi on trumpet, Steve Sacks on saxes, Cyro Baptista on percussion, and Alfredo Cardim on acoustic and electric piano. The feel is very nice- nicer even than the group's first album with ...

Frank Hernandez for Souvenir Venezuela from 1965. Another banging latin session this time from Venezuela and bursting with mambos and descargas fit to set the wax on fire.Nearest comparison would be Tito's 60s Tico sessions which is high praise indeed! All Killer No Filler!!!!

Super All Star for Caiman from 1984. Paquito Pastor Piano/Juan Márquez Guitarra/Tito Puente Timbales y vibrafono/Paquito D'Rivera Saxofones altos y flauta/Mario Rivera Saxofones tenores, Baritones y piccolo/"Chocolate" Armenteros Trompeta/Valery Ponomorev Trompeta/Spanky Davis Trompeta/José Rodrigues Trombones/Claudio Roditi Trombones/Steve Turre Trombones/Andy Gonzalez Bajo/Daniel Ponce Conga/Ignacio Berroa Bateria/Adalberto Santiago Coro/Felo Barrios Coro/Leo Gonzalez Coro Super All Star indeed-check that line up!!! Slamming salsa one-off big band session from a group that comfortably straddled both latin and jazz genres to produce this explosive set.The brass charts are phenomenal harking back to the days of Rene Hernandes' work with Machito's Orchestra, and seem set to blow the speakers out at some points.Rock solid rhythm section (with congacero virtuoso Daniel Ponce fresh out of Cuba)featuring such luminaries as Tito Puente,Ignacio Berroa and Andy Gonzalez w...

Conrad Herwig for Astor Place from 1996. Keeping it latin but coming from a different angle. Features the mighty Eddie Palmieri on three cuts.Check out neverenoughrhodes for a terrific overview of Eddie's recording career. Here's a great write up from the wonderful Doug Payne-check his excellent soundinsites here A great idea beautifully executed by New York trombonist Conrad Herwig. The trombonist/arranger/musical director chooses Coltrane's most accessible material from a period that arguably spawned his best, most memorable work (1958-1964), devised simple, exploratory frameworks for each (recalling veteran Chico O'Farrill), then assembled an outstanding collection of musicians. In addition to Herwig's sinewy trombone, there's Brian Lynch on trumpet, Dave Valentin on flutes, Ronnie Cuber on baritone, Richie Beirach (who contributed to some of the arrangements), Danilo Perez and Eddie Palmeri on piano, Andy Gonzalez (from the Fort Apache Band) on bass and Mil...

Francisco Aguabella for Epsilon from 1977. Super tough latin business featuring the 500mph destruction of Edu Lobo's "Casa Fuerte" - murder!!! Review half inched from Latin Beat: As a sworn "olu batá" drummer, Francisco Aguabella is revered asa Santería drum priest, a master of tradition. But in the '60s he was also Peggy Lee's favorite conga drummer and toured the country with her band. Since coming to the U.S. in 1957, the Matanzas-born Cuban drummer has been a pivotal force, incorporating traditional Afro-Cuban folkloric sounds into American pop and jazz. A former member of the Latin rock band Malo, Aguabella is in his prime on this reissue of his 1977 Epsilon Records album (his second asa leader). Hitting Hard is street-style rare groove fusing Brazilian, salsa, Latin jazz, and funk flavors with a cast that includes San Francisco vibist Nerio De Gracia, the dynamic Cedric Deon Bi on vocals, and percussion great Armando Peraza. Ramón's Desire kic...

Eddie Palmieri for Tico from 1972 More essential listening-very highly recommended. Eddie Palmieri - Piano* Charlie Palmieri - Organ*Ronnie Cuber - Saxophone*Cornell Dupree - Guitar* Joe Gaines - M.C.* Andy Gonzalez - Bass* Ismael Quintana - Vocals, Choir, Chorus* Raymond Maldonado - Trumpet* Nicky Marrero - Bongos* Charlie Santiago - Timbales* Ray Romero - Conga* Felipe Luciano - Voice* Jimmy Norman - Vocals* Harlem River Drive Singers with Lorene Hanchard - Vocals* Alvin Taylor - Vocals* Harry Viggiano - Guitar* Jerry González - Percussion* Hank Anderson - Guitar (Bass)* José Papo Rodríguez - Trombone* Arturo Campa - Vocals *Arturo Franquiz - Vocals Review nicked from musthear.com: Before the heyday of Salsa, Eddie Palmieri functioned as a path-breaking phenomena from Puerto Rico. His lingering influence on Latin music cannot be overstated. This album perfectly combines Palmieri’s experimentalism with the heavy rhythms that kept him ahead on the street. Playing for the toughest of cr...

Eddie Palmieri for Mango from 1973. Bass - Andy Gonzalez,Bongos - Nicky Marrero , Tommy Lopez,Congas - Frankie Malabe , Jerry González,Coro - Arturo Campa , Jimmy Sabater , Willie Torres,Drums - Paul Alicea , Rick Marotta,Flute, Saxophone - Mario Rivera, Piano - Eddie Palmieri,Timbales,Percussion - Nicky Marrero,Tres, Guitar - Harry Viggiano,Trombone - Barry Rogers , Jose Rodriguez,Trumpet - Vitin Paz Vocals - Ismael Quintana Essential listening-Very Highly Recommended. For the last 40 years Eddie Palmieri has enriched Latin music with his imagination. It is difficult to say he had one good year above all others because Palmieri has improved with each recording, an indication that he hasn't reached his peak. I'm not surprised that others are envious of him. Many dancers say that he is the best. Many say that he is the sun of Latin music, the most powerful in the world. He is reverentially referred to as the Messiah but I see him as Latin music's leading astronaut gliding in...

John Thomas & Life Force for Nabel from 1981. Bass - Gunnar Plümer Drums - Garcia Morales Guitar - John Thomas Percussion - Eddy Veldmann , Ponda O'Bryan Piano - Andy Lumpp Vocal(Like a Samba)-Monika Linges Hard to track down piece of kraut latin fusion best known for the storming dance floor filler "Like A Samba" which was comped on the first Glucklich compilation from Rainer Truby.Check out "Promontory" - speed samba for the nifty of foot! Here's a bit more about Mr Thomas from jazz.com Appearing with some of the greatest names in jazz, his professional gigs since 1972 include the AACM Big Band, Stanton Davis, Carter Jefferson, Andrew Cyrille, Kenny Drew, John Lewis, Harold Ousley, and Chet Baker. Additionally, he has performed as a regular sideman with Jimmy McGriff and Joe Henderson here in the United States. Although only 19 at the time, both Henderson and McGriff enlisted his services as a sideman on recordings and concerts. After his 1977 move to ...

Henry Butler for Impulse from 1987. This one's for Greg and his Orange and Black Spines . Henry Butler-Piano;Ron Carter-Bass;Jack DeJohnette-Drums;John Purcell-Soprano,Flute,Oboe,English Horn;Alvin Batiste-Clarinet;Bob Stuart-Tuba Henry Butler's second Impulse recording is essentially a post-bop performance. The influence of the pianist's New Orleans heritage (which is partly felt on his version of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer") and gospel music would be explored more fully in the future. Butler is joined by bassist Ron Carter, drummer Jack DeJohnette and occasionally by clarinetist Alvin Batiste, John Purcell (on soprano, flute, oboe and English horn) and (for "The Entertainer") Bob Stewart on tuba. Butler sings "Music Came," but essentially this is an advanced trio set that shows how fine a pianist he is. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide Check out Butler's first for Impulse "Fivin' Around" at the excellent blackclassic...

Giorgi Azzolini for Ciao!Ragazzi from 1964. Franco Ambrosetti - trumpet Gato Barbieri - tenor sax Dino Piana - trombone Pocho Gatti - piano Renato Sellani - piano Lionello Bionda - drums Giorgio Azzolini - acoustic bass. What better way to start a Sunday than this great serving of pasta jazz from Italy! From the liner notes: A record that is not like many others. In recent times there have been quite a few jazz recordings in Italy, but each of theme is the result of a great amount of work and very careful selection. Maybe that is the reason why every new jazz record may be considered different from the others. This one , which I'm proud to present, is the result of the desire, the planning and the direction of Giorgio Azzolini, a well-known Italian double-bass jazz player and one of the most passionate supporters of this kind of music. Born in La Spezia on 29-3-28, Giorgio Azzolini studied in Florence with maestro Antonio Godoli and built up his profile within the jazz circuit than...

The Afro Latin Soultet featuring Phil Moore for Tower from 196? A frenetic latin banger with the emphasis on heavy percussion.Check "The Sheik" for a latin-modal romp through a thinly disguised "Impressions". Liner Notes: Wild it´s called and wild they are! And so was everyone in San Juan where they made these recordings. Mardi Gras was swinging and everyone was swaying with the mood. But that spirit is with PHIL MOORE, III and the five other members of THE AFRO-LATIN SOULTET whenever and wherever they play. And there are MOISES OBLIGACION, conga drummer and ex-member of The Afro Blues Quintet; CHAUNCY LOCKE, trumpeter who stretches back to days with the famed Charlie Parker; VANCE MATLOCK, bass player formerly with Aretha Franklin; LEROY BROOKS, drummer of Curtis Amy fame; and JACK FULKS, the alto sax and flute man who played with Chico Hamilton and the Afro Blues Quintet and who co-composed three of the tunes in this album. Leader PHIL MOORE is, of course, the pi...