TURNTABLE LAB

Chancha Via Circuito
Calzada Riddim (Cumbia) EP

Nice little vinyl sampler from Rodante, the ZZK debut from neo-cumbia standout Chancha Via Circuito (aka Argentina's Pedro Canale) who you may know from the mega Bersa Discos series. The A-side has a trio of rhythms: "Calzada(1)" is a super clean, heavy Latin percussion workout, then Canale gets deep and dubby with slow-motion, almost housey synths on "Varela(2)" and the equally dense "Selva(3)." The flip has an exclusivo "Chancha Via Circuito vs. Lil Mama(4)" blend from fellow ZZK'er Villa Diamante, plus album standouts "Dancehall(5)" and the "Zorzal(6)" instumental. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / and more

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Gerry Lyseight
Latin Spectrum 2LP

From the linear notes: "Latin Spectrum" is not latin music for salsa clubs, it's latin music for jazz and funk heads emphasizing grooves and solos in contrast to a lot of today's vocal fed candy floss." Although most of these tracks go deeper than my Latin record knowledge, with these BBE comps, you can be assured you are always getting the best. Double vinyl, 14 tracks. Again, these copies (originally released in 1999) are not reissues, so they probably won't be around for long.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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Harlem River Drive
Harlem River Drive LP

Harlem River Drive, although brief in its existence (this is their only LP), was an important part of musical development led by the guidance of Eddie Palmieri. This record is generally known as the first prominent musical fusion of black and latin musicians and art. Eddie enlisted an all star lineup of local New York Latin musicians with prominent jazz musicians (including Bernard Purdie). The album gained fame through the dancefloors with tracks like the monster "Idle Hands(1)" and "Seeds of Life." The title cut(2), "If," and "Broken Home(3)" have more of a soul tint to them and truly bring out the gut of the project. Very rare in the original (usually goes for over $100), this album has also been accused the familiar "over-hyped" tag, but in my opinion, it's the way you listen to it. Although Purdie and the rhythm section shine on the dance tracks, the album functions more as an excellent study of styles with the quality found in the blend and the message. Yada, yada. Feel it.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - crate classics / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk + soul + latin + disco / vinyl new arrivals / and more

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Jackson Conti
Sujinho (Madlib) 2LP

latin jazz vibes

When it comes to producing music, Madlib's been there done that. In fact, I don't know any other producer with such an insatiable appetite for musical exploration. Whether he's working with MCs, producers, musicians, or hitting the mic / playing music himself, it's safe to say he graduated "making beats" a long time ago and is on to bigger things. Jackson Conti is his newest project, which combines the efforts of himself (Otis Jackson Jr.) and Mamao Conti, drummer of the legendary Brazilian group Azymuth. The result is an epic full length Latin jazz album as real as they come. Mamao and Madlib hooked up when the Keepintime crew visited Brazil. Mamao layed down an hour and a half of drums and after Mad had flipped them, his hero proceeded to vibe and form the potential of the songs. The result is this 13 track album beautifully pressed on double vinyl. The music is bright like bottled sunshine and feels like a vacation waiting to happen. Check the signature Madlib swing on instrumentation "Berumba(1)," the breezy jazz sounds on "Papaya(2)," the warm vibes on "Brasilian Sugar(3)," the insane drum patterns and piano on "Upa Neguinho(4)," samba on "Casa Forte(5)," and Mamao's singing on "Segura Esta Onda(6)." To the average western ear, these won't be very recognizable, but many are re-interpreted covers of artists such as Chico Buarque, Joao Donato, Marcos Valle, Dom Um Romao, even George Duke. Truly a future classic. Note: I can't find any credits for musicians on the back of this, which makes me assume it's all Madlib. If it is, why isn't he playing at Yoshi's? Highly recommended.
reviewed by C'mish

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / stones throw - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / downtempo + electronic + bmore + ghettotech + uk + baile / and more

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Joe Bataan
Gypsy Woman LP

Debut Fania release from Joe Bataan circa 1967. Some huge songs here including the title track(1), a cover of the Curtis Mayfield original, and the all-time gut-wrencher "Ordinary Guy(2)." Also checkout burners like "Fuego(3), Campesino(4)," and "Too Much Lovin(5)." Feelgood shit.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - albums

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Joe Bataan
Saint Latin's Day Massacre LP

Such an awesome cover, one of my favorites from Fania. This 1972 release eventually became a low-rider classic and an important release in the evolving Nuyorican latin funk scene. Check tracks "Coco-E(1), I Wish You Love Pt.2(2), Ramona(3)," and one of the best covers of "Shaft(4)" hidden at the end of the b-side. 10 tracks in all, recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - albums

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Jorge Ben
Forca Bruta (180g) LP

Now available on 180g vinyl! Here's an essential nugget in Jorge Ben's expansive discography. Forca Bruta is an obvious misnomer, as the album - recorded in 1970 with Trio Mocoto once again backing Ben - is loaded with lush, mellow samba. Dusty Groove has cleaned the album up perfectly for this reissue, and compositions like "Oba, La Vem Ela(1)," "Domenica Domingava Num Domingo Linda Toda De Branco(2)" and "O Telefone Tocou Novamente(3)" have never sounded more clear or full. The sunny title track(4) and "Pulo, Pulo(5)" are two standouts, with many of the other tracks sounding similar, but don't worry - with Mocoto backing and Jorge on vocals, you'll want more of the same, over and over and over... 10 tracks; 40 minutes. Essential summer listening. Recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - albums / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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Os Fantasmas
Uma Gelada / Suspiro 7"

A new pair of retro-sounding tropical cuts from Sean Marquand and Daniel Collas' Embassy Sound Productions (of Banda Uniáo Black fame). The Tim Maia-fronted Os Fantasmas set it off with some fuzzed-out Mutantes-esque funk-rock on "Uma Gelada(1)," then chill it out with the absolutely stunning flute-laced blurry downtempo of "Suspiro(2)." Highly, highly recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s

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Os Mutantes
Mutantes (180g) LP

If Mutantes' first album sounded like a bunch of Brazilian teenagers mashing up the Beatles and Marcos Valle while tripping on acid, their second LP sounds like the band falling completely over the edge. While the Baptistas didn't abandon their pop sensibilities altogether with Mutantes, the structure and bubblegum feel of their debut feels largely stripped away. Instead, songs like the spacey and vocodered "Dia 36(1)" and the layered "Dois Mil e Um(2)" feel like mini-suites, compact rock operas where Mutantes could accomplish in 3 or 4 minutes what took other bands 10. Of course, there's still the light-hearted "Rita Lee" and fuzzed-out "Magica(3)," not to mention the short and sweet "Algo Mais(4)" which probably could have been a hit in the US… if it weren't in Portuguese. In my humble opinion, this record comes in a close second to the debut record, but at the same time I can't deny the stoned beauty of the pair of closing tracks, "Qualquer Bobagem(5)" and "Caminhante Noturno." Nevermind the fact that the Omplatten reissue of this CD has been fetching major bucks on eBay – if you haven't heard Mutantes' first three albums, you owe it to yourself! 11 tracks, 42+ minutes.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - albums

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Quantic & His Combo Barbaro
Linda Morena / Enyere Kumbara 7"

live latin american and caribbean sounds

Quantic continues to evolve his sound with his new live band, Combo Barbaro. After moving to Cali, Columbia in 2007, Quantic created two albums under the Quantic Soul Orchestra, but felt it was time to move onto something new. He created Combo Barbaro, consisting of local and European musicians (including Malcolm Catto), to take his music to the next step. These tracks simultaneously explore the music of the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. Sounds so authentic... can't wait for the album. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - 7" / 45s / funk + soul + latin + disco / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #2 EP

More of that cumbia heat from our favorite new label. Their debut release having quickly evaporated, Cali's Bersa Discos is back for round two with another limited single (1,000 copies, no repress-o). This time they've got Buenos Aires young gunna DJ Negro at the fore, putting a new spin on some true Colombian classics. Negro is a regular at the notorious club Zizek (recently spotted killing it with DJ/rupture and others) but this 12" represents his "official" debut. On the A-side, he sets things off with "Andres Landero vs. The Roockie(1)," a tuff mash featuring Screwed vocals from the cumbia legend and Luny beats. "Lluvia(2)" keeps more of traditional cumbia sound, dubbed out in all the right places, while "Mundo Querido(3)" comes with hard raps over a dark and stormy beat that brings to mind "This Is Why I'm Hot." Meanwhile on the flip, Bersa label head Oro11's "Pibes Walk Out(4)" injects some Dirty South into the proceedings, dusting a little of Unk's "Walk It Out" over "Que Calor" by Pibes Chorros (arguably the biggest 'cumbia villera' - gangster cumbia - band ever). Alex Pasternak of much hyped SF band Lemonade seals the deal with the midtempo bumper "Pajariton(5)." Definitely recommended.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #3 EP

Time for numero tres from our cumbia-loving Bay Area homies at Bersa Discos, and this time they've got Texas' DJ Panik and ZZK's Chancha via Circuito on board for the hottest set of tunes yet. (No joke.) Panik comes out guns blazing on lado A with nasty cumbia remixes of El General's "Te Ves Bien Buena(1)," Unk's "2 Step(2)" and Baby C's "Do It Like This(3)." All these are surefire dancefloor detonators - nothing syrupy this time out. No no - that's left to CvC on the flip, who get straight hypnotic with "Cumbia Murguera(4)" and then bring out the crickets for the ultra mellow (and yet strangely gun-clacking) "Damas Gratis Dub(5)." Yes, Bersa Discos is truth. Both sides play at 33. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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V/A
Bersa Discos #4 EP

It seems weird to annoint every new Bersa Discos release as "the best Bersa Discos yet," but it's the truth: the Bay Area's fledgling neo-cumbia imprint just keeps getting stronger. For the label's fourth limited press EP, they've enlisted two artists who make their homes far from Buenos Aires, but who've nonetheless got that special touch when it comes to fiery cumbia remixes. Brooklyn's Uproot Andy - an unofficial associate of DJ/rupture and Matt Shadetek's Dutty Artz collective - takes the A-side with three bumping, dubstep-influenced remixes of Afro-Colombian folk songs by Petrona Martinez ("La Vida Vale La Pena(1)"), Toto La Momposina ("El Pescador(2)"), and Grupo Naidy ("El Botellón(3)"). On the flip, it's the Netherlands' Sonido del Principe infusing rave and electro sounds into their trio of tracks - "Cartagena(4)," "El Principe(5)," "Cumbia de la Barranquilla(6)" - which seemingly sample big-band style 50s/60s cumbias. Whatever the sources, it's murderous stuff. Don't sleep - 1,000 copies worldwide. Recommended.
reviewed by Van Hammersly

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / baile + cumbia - vinyl / dubstep + grime - vinyl / and more

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V/A
Brazil Classics At 20: Anti-Aging Solutions Revealed LP

Limited edition high quality vinyl pressing, collecting up some of the finest tracks from the Brazil Classics series on David Byrne's Luaka Bop label. The title says it all: these are some real classics which never seem to get old, from the likes of Brazilian musical legends like Tom Ze ("Ma(1)"), Gilberto Gil ("Madalena(2)"), Jorge Ben ("Ponta De Lanca Africano(3)") e more. Also check the more recent "Bob(4)" from Otto, Agepe's "Ela Nao Gosta De Mim(5)" and Marisa Monte's "Balanca Pema(6)." 11 tracks total.
reviewed by Chris Lemon-Red

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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V/A
Brazilian Food #2 EP

LAB EXCLUSIVO. #2 of 2 new collections of rare Brazilian tracks, both old and new, hand-selected by a legitimate, native authority on the subject. This isn't just another compilation of well-known classics; all of these tracks are proven to move dance floors in Brazil, and are favorites among the Brazilian people. Volume 2 includes six tracks: Jorge Ben's "Coqueiro(1)," Nu Brazz with "Saudade(2)," "Cade Teresa(3)" by Clube do Balanco, Sambasonic's "Babulina(4)," a funky remix of Tim Maia's "Rational Culture(5)" and "Brazil Precisa Balancar(6)" by Rosalia de Souza. Only 300 copies pressed!!! Don't sleep. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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V/A
Samba Rock #1 EP

rare samba classics

The Samba-Rock movement continues to renovate and renew itself after all these decades from its Sao Paulo stronghold. Never a media darling like Tropicalia has been, its basis in time-honored musical traditions also means that it'll never be as fashionable and marketable in the post-hip hop world as Baile Funk. Whatever the case, this highly limited 12" EP series manages to be both enlightening and puzzling simultaneously, and is all the more recommended for it. A newcomer named Angelina does a very decent and party-playable update of the Jorge Ben classic "Ai Ai Caramba(1)" on this first volume and the esteemed "Diva Black" Paula Lima is featured with the deliciously grooving "Tudo Certo, Tudo Errado(2)." This is perhaps the strongest of the three limited-edition EPs of this series. (Sorry, no sales to Brazil).
reviewed by greg caz

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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V/A
Samba Rock #2 EP

The Samba-Rock movement continues to renovate and renew itself after all these decades from its Sao Paulo stronghold. Never a media darling like Tropicalia has been, its basis in time-honored musical traditions also means that it'll never be as fashionable and marketable in the post-hip hop world as Baile Funk. Whatever the case, this highly limited 12" EP series manages to be both enlightening and puzzling simultaneously, and is all the more recommended for it. Samba-Rock has always been a quirky thing, comparable in many ways to the UK's Northern Soul, and tracks like, say, the Metropolitan Jazz Affair's "Everybody Knows(1)" may cause some to wonder what this has to do with Brazil at all, not knowing that generations down there have partied to tracks that sound just like it going all the way back to Ray Charles' "Hit The Road Jack" or Floyd Cramer's "Let's Go," both of which are Samba-Rock standards. Easier to grasp is the nice re-edit of Tim Maia's "Meu Samba(2)." Another winner on here is a re-assessment of the 80s Gilberto Gil hit "Andar Com Fe(3)" by Brazilian hip-hop veteran Rappin' Hood, and the long-awaited comeback album by early 60s samba-rock/"sambalanao" pioneer Orlandivo appears here in the form of his new re-recording of "Palladium(4)," one of the cornerstone tunes of this whole genre. (Sorry, no sales to Brazil).
reviewed by greg caz

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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V/A
Samba Rock #3 EP

The Samba-Rock movement continues to renovate and renew itself after all these decades from its Sao Paulo stronghold. Never a media darling like Tropicalia has been, its basis in time-honored musical traditions also means that it'll never be as fashionable and marketable in the post-hip hop world as Baile Funk. Whatever the case, this highly limited 12" EP series manages to be both enlightening and puzzling simultaneously, and is all the more recommended for it. Vol. 3 features an extended Jorge Ben medley(1) from an uncertain source, presumably a live recording of more recent vintage (JB being, of course, the all time God of this particular sub-genre). A band calling themselves Quem Sabe Samba also does a good version of the Os Originais Do Samba classic "Buchicho(2)." And DJ Tadeu (of 50 Cent/samba mashup notoriety) strikes again with a combo(3) of the soul classic "Stay" by the Controllers with Jair Oliveira's 2004 tune "Tiro Onda." Releases like these are usually of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it variety and these are even more so than most, so buy now or curse yourself later. (Sorry, no sales to Brazil).
reviewed by greg caz

file under:
latin + brazilian + afrobeat / funk soul disco - comps

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Whiskey Barons
The Whiskey Barons EP w/ FREE Bonus CD

latin and tropical edits for the dancefloor

LAB EXCLUSIVO: Get the Whiskey Barons Bonus CD FREE when you buy the EP. Includes all the tracks from the vinyl and 3 exclusive bonus tracks.

Whiskey Barons bringing that heat just in time for summer! Amphibious and the Bogart have been holdin' it down in the Boston area with the Flavorheard crew for a minute now, but with their debut EP as the Whiskey Barons, the two drop cool latin and tropical inspired beats for the dancefloor. Check the sweet latin piano and percussion on "Guajira(1)" with that extra added "thump" to make the booty go bu- bomp. Both "Shake Yuh Waist(2)" and "Badumbadey(3)" take refreshing tropical vibes and add a proper breakbeats and chops inna GAMM stylee. Smiles and good times all around with these jams so be on the lookout for these guys! Recommended.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
funk soul disco - reviewer recommended / downtempo + electronic - recommended / midtempo - vinyl / latin + brazilian + afrobeat / and more

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