Chuito Vélez Y Su Super Orquesta ~ Si Pancha Plancha [La Flor] 1960s

01 - Sombras - Bolero
02 - Triangulo - Guaracha
03 - La Muerte De Lola - Guaguanco
04 - Que Seas Muy Feliz - Bolero De Que
05 - Si Tu No, La Otra - Jala-Jala
06 - EL Borrachon - Guaracha
07 - Pancha Plancha - Guaguanco
08 - Que Sabes Tu De Amor - Bolero
09 - La Virgen Lloraba - Aguinaldo
10 - Vive Tu Vida - Guaracha
11 - Con Mi Corazon Te Espero - Bolero
12 - Encancarannublado - Trabalenguas

'During the '70s, in the Bronx, New York, Mary Lou Records [owned by Ismael Maisonave] developed what is today one of the hottest labels of mostly unknown gems under the umbrella of Salsa International [a division of Mary Lou]. After Maisonave's retirement and passing, the label went into hibernation until the European impresario Ian Morrison met New Yorker Milton Ulloa and revived classic gems that many of us failed to purchase when they were in cut-out bins for $1.99, back in the '80s.'

incendiary Puerto Rican salsa from New York City with Adalberto Santiago, the orquesta's bass player, doubling on vocals. This was the house band for the famous Club Caborojeno of Broadway & 145th Street. La Flor is yet another subdivision of Mary Lou Records. 320 rips!

Steve Reid ft. the Legendary Master Brotherhood ~ Nova [Mustevic, 1976]

A1. Nova
A2. Lions Of Juda
A3. Free Spirits - Unknown

B1. Long Time Black
B2. Sixth House

Bass [Acoustic] - Luis Angel Falcon
Bass [Fender] - Richard Williams
Drums - Steve Reid
Piano, Organ [Electric] - Les Walker
Producer - Steve Reid
Saxophone [Alto, Soprano, Tenor] - Joe Rigby
Trumpet - Ahmed Abdullah

Recorded March 25, 1976 at Studio WE New York City

'This is an astounding record by an artist who has been criminally neglected. The list of those who could make out jazz funky is a short one. Ornette of course springs to mind as do the musicians of the Art Ensemble and their Chicago brethren. Drummer Steve Reid must now be added to that list. From the swaggering thunder of 'Lions of Juda,' to the gentler songs that close this album, there's nary a misstep. This music is as beautiful and dangerous as a shower of broken glass -- just when you think you've got a song figured out, this clever group of largely unsung musicians heightens the tension and takes things careening off in an unexpected direction. Have no fear though, these men are always nothing if not firmly in control. This is a wonderful document of a long vanished New York scene that was long on every emotion, not just fury. Find this album and buy it.' ~ Rob Ferrier

didn't know til just recently that the superb jazz drummer Steve Reid croaked from complications of throat cancer back in April. what total drag, he was only 66. may his spirit live on. this is likely my favourite of his recordings. 320 blessings to the og illuminators

snag the re-ish

The Bennito Sextet ~ Plus One [Mardi-Gras, 1968]

A1. Psychedelic Meditation
A2. Love Is To Say
A3. Jumping With Me
A4. Jumping Hully Gully

B1. Rhythm And Soul
B2. Dignoras Guaguanco
B3. My Sherry
B4. Mambo Ex#1



Benjamin 'Bennito' Padilla ~ Timbales, drums
Mike Cruz ~ Vocalist
Hector Jose Rivera ~ Vibes
Mike Diaz ~ Piano
Calvert 'Boe' Satter White, Jr. ~ Conga
William 'Sonny' Nieves ~ Coro
Louis Gonzales ~ Bass



from the flipside:
'The new & exciting sounds of the Bennito Sextet will put your mind & feet one step beyond. This album is out of sight. Those of you who have rhythm & some soul come & move along with the swingin sounds of The Bennito Sextet Plus One. If you want a history on these groovey fellows, you will find that they got together in the center at P.S. 165 in Manhattan & decided to start a band. The fellows soon discovered they had a different sound. Bennito was playing with other bands but being a hustler at heart, decided to make his own.
Born in New York City of Puerto Rican parents, Bennito has always been fascinated by the latin-american sounds. When he was 10 yrs old, he spent his spare time in various ball rooms [if he was succesful at sneaking past the guys at the door] listening to & observing the timbale players. With the help of several teachers he developed his particular technique & became master of the timbales.
Bennito's love for musique is expressed through his movement as well as sound. You don't only listen, you watch him too. Bennito wants to continue his musical education.
In Mambo Ex#1 Bennito's mastery over his timbales can really be appreciated. He can also play drums, congas, bongos & just about anything with skins stretched across it. He has played professional one night stands & has had offers to remain with bands but he has always refused because it would have prevented his one dream from materializing. A dream of having his own sextet. Let's start with our psyche cool floating, together. With some meditation we swing along & enjoy The Bennito Sextet Plus one who have something for each & everyone of you.' ~ Rafael E. Collazo, Manager

8 stabs of shimmering nuyorican shingaling soul. so bad it's good. singer Mike Cruz is comedy & the cover looks like some sid & marty croft type mess. a shame about Bennito's dream, but at least we can remember it now. a 320 vinyl rip. dig