Jack Costanzo at the Garden of Allah - Bongo Fever (Afrocuban jazz, 1959)

(Liberty LRP 3109).

Here's a spicy version of "Quiere" by Jack Costanzo recorded live at the Garden of Allah, a famous place frequently visited by Hollywood intelligentsia from the late 20s.

Los Dementes - Descarga a la Ray (Venezuela, 1966)

(Prodanza - LP 1240).

First LP from Ray Perez with Los Dementes, playing in Caracas from the mid 60s. I found this Venezuelan version in Colombia. Los Dementes used the word "salsa" as a music style before it became widely used in New York, and this LP includes boogaloo, guaguanco, pachanga, and salsa. Despite the rough mix, "Descarga a la Ray" is totally crazy, also very innovative at this period comparing to famous local bands such as Billo and his Caracas Boys... 

Manolo Guardia - Negro en sol menor (Candomble inspired jazz from Uruguay, 1960s)

(Fermata 3F0128).

Candomble beleives and culture, originated from african voduns and musically based on drums, are widespread in Brazil, but also traveled south down to Uruguay, where exist also expressions of this religion.

Successful meeting of jazz and candomble rhythms is not so common, so I hope you enjoy this track from Manolo Guardia, uruguayan pianist both interested in jazz and tango, and who experimented unique afrolatinjazz fusion during the 60s.

Lobo y Melon (Afrocuban jazz in Mexico, 60s)

(RCA CAMDEN 102-23106).

Here's a Mexican band created in the late 50s and composed by the drummer Carlos Daniel Navarro Pulido (Lobo) and the singer Luis Angel Silva Nava (Melon). Their first LP (early 60s) is representative of the various caribbean influences in during the 60s (cuban orchestras, US latin jazz, african drums... ), as many musicians from the region were playing in Acapulco or Mexico.

Charles Fox - Blue Pachanga (US Latinjazz, 1963)

(Gema 1183).

When the famous american composer Charles Fox plays "Just For Fun", it results a nice and sharp latin album from 1963, influenced both by classical and jazz elements.

Los Revolucionarios de Alfredo Gutierrez - Esa Mulata (Colombia, 70s)

(Costeño LDZ-20516).

Just coming back from Colombia, a huge musical country... Many investigations and many interesting material to share on the blog, particularly on african influence in the caribeean coast.

Sabu Martinez - Jazz Espagnole (Afrocuban jazz, 1961)

(ALLEGRE EAB-145).

One of the best latin(and)jazz LP from the cuban conga player Sabu Martinez (1930-1979). The album is produced by Al Santiago, Allegre label founder.