Maybe the best album ever from the mighty Ricardo Marrero – a 70s Latin talent who didn't record much, but always gave the world something wonderful when he did! The set's got this really great vibe – some cuts that update 60s Latin soul modes with even more righteous 70s elements – other numbers that are more jazz-based, almost in the territory of Cal Tjader's funky Latin tracks! A number of the cuts have vocals by a female singer – who really helps give the whole thing a feel that's very different than the usual Latin record of the time – almost a dose of Cali soul, even though Ricardo was more of a east coast talent at the time! Titles include the classic funk cut "Babalonia" – plus "Tiny", "Algo", "And We'll Make Love", "Vengo", "Get Yourself Together", "My Friend", and "A Taste Of Latin". CD

The stuff that funky 45 dreams are made of! "Babalonia" is one of those killers you never forget – fast electric piano over heavy conga beats, grooving hard with a brassy finish, in a NuYorican mode that made the cut one of everyone's favorites and the kind of track you had to own – even before people were copping funky 45s! This cool Japanese pic sleeve single also features an alternate take – from the film Tecato (Jesus Saves). 7-inch, Vinyl record

The third volume in this very groovy series takes a distinct Brazilian turn – and opens up into a sparkling set of bossa jammers and hard jazzy numbers that are extremely well-selected for the set! Not all the tracks are Brazilian in origin, but they are all hard to find – and the groove's extremely solid throughout! Tracks include "Quo Vadis Samba" by Goykovic-Novacek, "Carcara" by Tempo Trio, "Tim Dom Dom" by Joao Donato, "Jangal" by Dom Um Romao, "Batucada Sergiu" by Luis Carlos Vinhas, "Grand Nite For Swinging" by Mary Lou Williams, "Consolacao" by Larry Willis, "Influencia Do Jazz" by Bossa Tres, "Mudei De Idea" by Osmar Milito, "Un Sabor Latino" by Ricardo Marrero, "Cobranca" by Carlos Penha, and "Tema Pro Lins" by Rosinha De Valencia. Lots more, too! LP, Vinyl record album

Legendary Japanese series of compilations, featuring some killer Latin groovers selected by the DJ team of Raphael Sebbag (UFO) and Izuru Utsumi! This set's got a very cool blend of 60s and 70s material, with a nice groovy edge that adds a bit of Latin soul to the mix. Titles include "There You Go" by Fania All Stars, "Shade Of Time" by Roberto Roena, "Cobarde" by Ricardo Marrero, "Sha-La Means I Love You" by Louie Ramirez, "Oh Calcutta" by Tony Pabon, "Boranda" by Sonora Poncena, and "Mrs. Robinson" by Ricardo Ray. Lots more nice ones, and limited on vinyl! LP, Vinyl record album

One of the best early Luv N Haight comps, with a stellar mix of rare jazz funk tracks, including "Babylonia" by Ricardo Marrero, "Sad Chicken" by Leroy & The Drivers, "What It Is" by Apollis, "Be Bop Boogie" by Hilton Felton, "Twitchie Feet" by Soul Machine, and "Love Got A Piece Of Your Mind" by Five Ounces Of Soul. CD