This is a Latin rare groove classic, a mix of Latin Soul, boogaloo, and salsa dura from the great Ray Barretto. Whoever owned this before me obviously played the hell out of the title track.
Ray Barretto – Hard Hands (1968) (Fania Records 1972 repress)
Joe Bataan
Gypsy Woman
Fania Records SLP 340
Original release, 1967
1990’s CD reissue
Emerging out of the hybrid crossroads of boogaloo, R&B, Latin Soul, and the nascent salsa scene, Joe Bataan was defying categorization and bending genres long before it was hip. The first album I heard by him was “Subway Joe”, but it was years before I realized he didn’t actually sing any of the Spanish-language numbers in his repertoire – those, in the early days at least, were handled by Joe Pagan. For a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of being an Afro-Filipino in the barrio, you can watch this interview with him done by Red Bull Academy. Although I personally like that there is an entire 2 hours of it, somebody could probably edit that down a bit, for the non-fanatical. Joe Bataan – Gypsy Woman (1967) (Fania SLP 340)
Gal Costa – Gal
1969 Philips R 765.098 L
The great Gal Costa released two classic Tropicália records in 1969, and this one is widely known as the mind-bendingly psychedelic monster of the two. The version presented here is the original mono mix and not the stereo mix that appeared on the Gal Total boxset and later in a Polysom reissue. Gal has always surrounded herself with musical heavyweights but she was keeping particularly heady company at this time: this record has substantial involvement from Gil, Caetano and Jards Macalé (who would serve as her musical director not long after this). No less than two compositions from Jorge Ben are featured here, including the rather deep cut “Tuareg” in a particularly funky arrangement. Gal Costa – Gal (1969) (Mono mix)
Harlem River Drive – Harlem River Drive Originally released on Roulette Records (SR 3004), 1971 this pressing, reissue – year unknown 1 Harlem River Drive (Theme Song) (4:05) Bass – Victor Venegas Organ – Charlie… Harlem River Drive (1971) {Eddie and Charlie Palmieri} 24-bit/96khz vinyl
Rabbits & Carrots “Soul Latino” 1969 Reissue on Vampisoul 2007 with extra tracks (Vampi CD 088) 1. Pais Tropical 2. Hip City 3. Romeo Y Julieta 4. Funky Chicken 5. Jarabe 6. Las 4 Culturas… Rabbits & Carrots – Soul Latino (1969)
Colombia! The Golden Age Of Discos Fuentes. The Powerhouse Of Colombian Music 1960-76
Various Artists
Soundway Records (SNDWCD008)
Every Soundway compilation is a labor of love and this one is no exception. This collection focuses on the Fuentes label of Colombia, which has been active there since the 1930s. Covering a mighty chunk of stylistic territory and a span of over fifteen years is no mean feat and it’s remarkable the collection holds together as well as it does. It has its flaws but they are relatively minor and far outweighed by the fact that Soundway is making this music available to a wider audience that to a large extent have not had much access to it.Colombia! The Golden Age Of Discos Fuentes. The Powerhouse Of Colombian Music 1960-76