The “Velvet Voodoo” compilation aims to bring together music that “lets the sunshine in”, covering jazz, brazilian, fusion and afro from 1964-1979. On the evidence of this limited vinyl sampler, it’s more than achieved it’s objective, with, for starters, Open Sky Unit’s amazing “Sunshine Star”. Sought after by funk collectors for some years now, this song is an awe-inspiring fusion of funk, jazz and soul, the vocalist really shining as brightly as the title implies. Worth it for this cut alone. But we’re also treated to Emilio Santiago’s classic Jorge Ben song “Brother”, pure uplifting Brazilian boogie; Eero Koivistoinen’s super rare and super funky TV detective styled “7 Up”, and a stunning alternative of Coltrane’s “Naima” by Jacques Pelzer. A fabulous EP – don’t leave home without it.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: DARREN WALL
