Joe Bataan - Afrofilipino (1975)

A key piece of latin funk, though not such a famous piece of Mr Bataan's discography, 'Afrofilipino' pays tribute to his origins while pushing ahead the boogaloo/soul formula that made his breakthrough with Fania in the 1960s.
Bataan's first album on the newly-formed Salsoul label (a phrase he was instrumental in coining), this record contains a healthy dose of organ/keyboard- filled latin funk, with a rather unique sound. The hit single back in the days was his great pre-disco cover of Gil Scott-Heron 'The Bottle' (re-titled 'La Botella'), while the title track, 'Women Don't Want To Love Me' and the epic 2-part song 'What Good Is A Castle' are all high points of the genre.

Enjoy it!
Greg

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Pucho & The Latin Soul Brothers - Heat! (1968)

Yet another title with an exclamation mark, and one of Pucho's greatest albums ever! This one really gets all the elements right – from Latin jazz, to boogaloo soul, to some of that funkiness that was creeping into the group's work at the time.

The fantastic Pazant Brothers (Eddie & Al) are on sax and trumpet (respectively), and the set also features some vocals by Jackie Soul on a few cuts. Includes some great Latin Jazz tracks like "Heat!" and the amazing "Psychedelic Pucho" (with an organ hook that won't let go), plus other great Latin soul cuts, like "Payin' Dues" and "Let Love Find You". Neal Creque's on piano, and the whole thing kicks booty!

Enjoy it!

Greg

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