Juno Recommends International February 2021

Review: You've probably never thought that you need Cumbia cover versions of classic disco numbers in your life, but as this excellent seven-inch single from Vampi Soul proves, you really do. La Cumba Moderna De Soledad handles side A, delivering an inspired re-imagining of Rod Stewart number 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy' which brilliantly wraps a Spanish translation of the track's familiar lyrics and snake charmer melodies around a typically chunky, club-ready cumbia groove. Arguably even better is Machuca Cumbia's flipside interpretation of Bee-Gees classic 'Staying Alive'. While it's instantly recognisable thanks to the guitar riffs and replayed melodies, their cumbia version is thrillingly psychedelic and undeniably tropical.

Review: It may only be January, but we already have a strong contender for 'compilation of the year'. Put together by devout crate-diggers and Cuban music enthusiasts Gilles Peterson and Stuart Baker, Cuba: Music & Revolution: Culture Clash in Havana 1975-85 celebrates a particularly fertile moment in the Caribbean country's musical development - one in which the country's traditional salsa and mambo sounds were being fused with a variety of other styles, most notably Brazilian tropicala, and the funk, soul and disco sounds emerging from the U.S.A. The results, as showcased via 23 tracks stretched across two CDs, are incredible, pitching traditional Cuban vocals and percussion sounds with heavy bass, life-affirming horns, futurist synthesizer flourishes and wah-wah guitars. Throw in detailed, eye-opening sleeve notes, and you have a genuinely must-have compilation. Bravo!

Review: Collectors will happily tell you that Al Valdez's Gonzando! has long been considered one of the "holy grails" of Cuban music, despite the fact that the pianist actually recorded it in Lima, Peru, in the mid 1960s. Thankfully, Vampi Soul has licensed it and delivered this fine facsimile edition, allowing those without serious record hunting skills (and a budget to match) the chance to enjoy its' breezy, life-affirming blend of salsa, Pachanga, mambo, descarga, guaracha, bolero and, most surprisingly, cumbia. Valdez is in fine form throughout, both on the piano and on the microphone, while the accompanying percussionists and big band-style backing group never miss a beat.

Review: Vis-A-Vis released a hugely impressive 13 albums between 1975 and 1982. Both talented studio artists and live musicians, the band was led by vocalist Isaac "Superstar" Yeboah with Sammy Cropper on guitar, Slim Manu on bass and Gybson "Shaolin Kung-Fu" Papra on drums. The We Are Busy Bodies label is in the process of rolling out reissues of plenty of those records and this is one fo the best . A real listening joy, it brings with afro grooves and noodling jazz melodies, richly textured organ and bass work that all help take you to warmer, earthier climes in an instant.