Vampi Soul Spain Vinilo y CD

Review: Black Sugar were a Peruvian Latin funk band who formed in the late 1960s but unfortunately disbanded in 1975, leaving a wealth of musical trace magic behind. One such collection of vestiges now comes in the form of 'Baila', an EP comprising four tracks that were first released as singles between 1971 and 1974, and which takes its namesake from the band's greatest hit. The titular opener lays bare their blitzing blend of Latin funk via brass bellowings and organ solos, while the likes of 'Checan' and 'Too Late' deal in black-market flutes and loose-wristed percussion breaks, perfect for sunning by the shore, or wining in a winding, cobbled street somewhere in the Mediterranean.

Review: If you listen to those who know about such things, then The Ghetto Brothers' Power-Fuerz album is one of the best-ever Latin funk records. The group formed on the streets of New York City's South Bronx in the late 1960s and often called themselves a gang as much as a band. They were keen supporters of Puerto Rican nationalism and were motivated to help uplift fellow Latino and Black men in their community. Back in 1971 is when they released their one and only album and it had little to no promotion and was only distributed locally so is one of those that has since taken on cult status.

Review: A real soul gem from 1970 on the James Brown affiliated Deluxe label, the first and only album by this mysterious singer: Marie Queenie Lyons. The songs are a combination of funky covers, some of which she'd been doing in her live shows, like 'Fever' and 'Try Me,' and originals co-written by pianist Don Pullen, who was the bandleader on the session. Vampisoul's reissue features an alternative cover photo and includes a booklet with rare photos, extensive liner notes by Andrew 'Monk-One' Mason and the first ever interview with Queenie herself!