Luis Agudo - Afrosamba (Afrobrazilian jazz&drums, 1984)

(VPA 172).

Luis Agudo (1940-) is an Argentinian percussionist who developed an unique style based on brazilian and african drums and rhythms. He's a real rhythmic explorer, building his own percussions. This led him to play worldwide for many jazz musicians (Baden Powell, Dizzy Gillespie, Elvin Jones, Junior Cook...).

This record is a solo recording realized in Italia (original press from Red Records) where he shows his wide variety of sounds, rhythms and effects.

Lemed Janvier et l'Orchestre African Allstar (Soukous from Benin, 1981-82)

(Oueme LJ001).

Lemed Janvier took part of recordings with Orchestre Poly Rythmo, Les Volcans du Benin and Tabu Ley from Congo.
Being form Benin but having lived in Kinshasa, he can also sing in lingala like a congolese  musician (and generally alternating some french or english parts). This late album was released in Benin and contains infectious soukous ryhtmic guitars (Señores Picoteros, pienso que le va a gustar). Global sound remains more in the 70s with African Allstar band, and includes also few suprisingly funky short breaks.

First tracks deals with a topic often adressed: the fact that the slanders and rumors do not affect the musicians.

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... 

The Natural Seven International - Free Advice (Nigeria, 1977)

(Hasbunalau records HRCL36).

This LP from Nigeria is realized by The Natural 7 International but the label credits The Sea Birds International. Anyway, Eddy Dada delivers an hybrid soukous sung in pidgin english and the following track with reggae-dub flavor.

Jose Mangual & Carlos Patato Valdes - Understanding Latin Rhythms (Latin drums, 1974)

(LPV-337).

Top latin percussions musicians from New York 70s give a masterclass titled: Understanding Latin Rhythms. Pick up your instruments, listen and play.

The Montagu Three - Love Alone (Calypso from Bahamas, 1961)

(Bahamian Rhythms LTD - BR 37-S).

At the turn of 1960 Cuba became closed to American tourists, which contributed to develop mass tourism (and financial facilities) in several other caribbean islands. Nassau being just in front of Miami, it became one hot spot full of fancy hotels proposing "local" music to foreigners...

Alpha (Chancy Records, Haiti, 1981)

(Chancy Records CCLP7994). 

Although Alpha band comes from Guadeloupe, this LP is produced by haitian bass player (Tabou Combo) Adolphe Chancy.
New York based label Chancy Records (CC Production for Coppet + Chancy) released from the late 70s many haitian bands (Tabou Combo, Coupe Cloue, Skah Shah, Gemini Allstars...) and few bands from the "french" West Indies as Alpha or Selecta International.  Another aspect of the significative influence of haitian cadence on Guadeloupe and Martinique musicians.