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...

The Radio Ponsonby Record Review: TITO PUENTE - El Rey

An easy review for me this week, with this 2CD "best of" compilation from El Rey himself, Tito Puente, landing on my stereo last week & seldom leaving it since.

The good folks at Fania Records have put together a stellar collection from the King Of Mambo, which includes more than 40 tracks featuring Puente in full flight, alongside guests & collaborators such as Santos Colon, Rudy Calzado, Bobby Escoto, Celia Cruz, Frankie Figueroa & more.

From the recognisable (Oye Como Va, La Guarachera, Hit The Bongo) to the lesser known (Loco Bossa Nova, Wata Wasuri, Tokyo de Noche); from high-energy, fiery Latin percussion-led monsters to more subtle, intricately rhythmic tracks; from the beard-stroker-pleasers to the dancefloor fillers; El Rey is an outstanding collection of tracks that paints a thrilling picture of one of the most important & influential percussionists to have graced the earth.

The Radio Ponsonby Record Review with 90 is brought to you by The Longroom at 114 Ponsonby Rd. Check it out every Wednesday around 8.30am on Murry Sweetpants' Breakfast Show on Radio Ponsonby 107.7FM.