(vg++) Early sixties latin-jazz "Watusi Walk", "Cal's Pals" etc

Different and original sounding fusion with strong jazz and latin elements, the standout track is
"Negreta 'Sabrosona' ", an intense number which features extended jazz guitar work a la Wes
Montgomery over a sweet, fast but subtle latin refrain. Over on the flip there's a similar thing going on
in a much more spaced out way with "Ecos Cosmics", dedicated to Lonnie Liston Smith.

Later issue of this rare piece, just managed to unearth a handful of these! Far out Mexican latin-funk
with brassy intensity - "Latin Feelin". The absolute killer is "We Got The Power" which bursts into life
with a piano/percussion theme which is then taken over by the larger than life horns. This funky vocal
monster then builds up with layers of percussion, a breakdown, a change in tempo.. excellent!

Rare! Venezuelan salsa ensemble from '75.

Hard to find original US issue! Snappy latin & bossa grooves from Venezuela in his unique 'New Groove' style, with scat vocals, airy jazzy stylings and that 60s Italian flick orchestral kind of feel. "El Catire", "Pajarillo En Nueva Onda"

(vg+ small sticker tear front cover) Confusingly, The Chakachas also released a single isssue LP with
the same title, another double LP also with the same title, and this one, provisionally titled for the
purpose of this list, 'the one with the soft-focus bikini-clad girl playing the congas'. Either way, this one doesn't turn up very often... "Canalla"

Rare early release mixing traditional African chants and music with a choir. "Kyrie"

In demand session produced by Joe Cain and featuring the monster cut "Latin Jazz No. 6" - a
smoking tune which just won't quit!

Mexican latin fusion including. "Curuba", "Mongu"

Rare! Classic sixties latin outing which sees Barretto in fine form and drumming up a storm. "The Soul Drummers"

Early project for main man Gerardo Batiz, and it's a really rare indie production released only through
Pentagrama's special product division. Top quality, earthy, jazzy latin sounds, with the strong melodic
content and songwriting that is Batiz's trademark, on deep tunes like "Mali", "Kamusekele" and the
standout for me, "Rupesh" - rippling piano riffs, sweet flute and humming chorus.

Solo piano from this Cuban master.

Rare and very in demand, with all the big numbers - "A Bailar Con La River", the super funky "En Casa Del Trompo No Bailes" etc!

Incredible latin outfit from Venezuela, this great set stands out in particular for the unbelievable cut
"Ajoporro" - latin-jazz at its absolute finest, with a wonderful piano/vibes melody and fiery percussion!

Wicked, very effective Nuyorican latin-jazz set from '76, best known for the super-funky latin disco
version of "Do It Anyway You Wanna" - an essential club spin!

Getting in the groove, with a splash of funk, on "Ven Ae Ae".

Cuban latin/funk/disco from '78 originally on Areito, stuffed with funky breaks, a big brassy section and dope clubby cuts like the lowdown bass/percussion groovers "Yeya Son", "La 132", "Tambo Iya".

Salsa ensemble recorded in, and released by, small indie label Karen from Santo Domingo, letting the juices flow on "Descarga Beduina".