Following last month’s long-lost 107th Street Stickball Team album on Ace, veteran latin-funk producer Bobby Narin has reached back into his cupboard and pulled out another wonderful set which further highlights his unique place in Spanish Harlem’s rich musical history. Renowned musical archivist Dean Rudland was presented with a 70s super-session comprising names like Chico Mendoza, Louie Ramirez, Willie Torres, Jimmy Sabater, Joey Patrana plus various Fania All Stars, Alegre All Stars and session stalwarts. He took it to Acid Jazz and the result is an essential missing link document again showing how musical boundaries were being trampled during the 70s to make the ultimate party soundtrack. The combination of percolating latin percussion, sweaty street funk and odd departures like the Boris Pickett-style ‘Monster Party’ is intoxicating and immensely butt-shaking, especially when they heist the riff from James Brown’s ‘It’s A New Day’ and add African flavours on ‘Pamoja Watu’. Disco gets a nod on ‘Do It’ and ‘It’s Your Thing’ is simply solid gold 70s funk. Only complaint is, like the Ace set, the album clocks in at just over 30 minutes. On the other hand, every sizzling second counts.
4 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Kris Needs
