Review: Nuyorican Soul 'Nuyorican Soul'

NUYORICAN SOUL

Nuyorican Soul

[GRP Records]

Nuyorican Soul is the name of the musical project assembled by "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, aka production and remix duo Masters At Work. The self-titled album features appearances from Roy Ayers, George Benson, Vincent Montana Jr., Jocelyn Brown, Tito Puente, Jazzy Jeff, India and some of the Salsoul Orchestra. Original tracks (You Can Do It (Baby), with fluid guitar and vocals from George Benson atop a trademark MAW broken beat) crop up amongst covers of songs, often re-interpreted by some of the original performers (Sweet Tears, with Roy Ayers at his nonchalant best). Other notable tracks include the Jocelyn Brown-voiced epic I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun; an inspired and deeply respectful reading of Bob James' classic jazz-funker Nautilus (subtitled 'MAWtilus'); and the gorgeous disco floor-filler Runaway, featuring members of the Salsoul Orchestra - and lead vocals from Louie Vega's ex-wife, India. From hands-in-the-air house to laidback head-nod hip hop, slinky jazz to heavy Latin ibes and percussion - and plenty more besides, Nuyorican Soul is one of the most fully realised dance albums in the last thirty years. There is only one Nuyorican Soul album - and there may well be a reason for that. Essential listening.

4 and 1/2 stars from 5

You can check out music from Nuyorican Soul by clicking on the song titles highlighted above, or by taking a look/listen here at Last FM...

Review: Miguel Migs 'Outside The Skyline'

MIGUEL MIGS
Outside The Skyline
[Salted / Om Records]

Miguel Migs is a little like a George Benson figure for the San Francisco deep house music scene. In much the same way that Benson was sometimes derided for his slickly-produced, super-smooth sound, Migs cops plenty from folks who consider themselves authorities on what constitutes proper deep house. Like Benson before him, Migs walks his own path regardless, confounding the critics as he transcends the limitations of the scene he emerged from. Outside The Skyline is Migs' third album, and it follows in the footsteps of his previous works by melding early soul, dub, jazz, reggae, funk and Italo disco with his trademark house sound. Of particular note on this outing is the impressive roll call of guests: Meshell Ndegeocello, Bebel Gilberto, Georg Levin and Aya appear alongside reggae veterans Half Pint, Capleton and Freddie McGregor, and disco legend Evelyn 'Champagne' King. Very good, without being great.

3 stars from 5

Check out sound clips from the album on Miguel Migs' Soundcloud page.