Algo Nuevo (Reissue) (Vinyl LP)

Originally released on Cuba's state-owned label Areito in 1977 and 1978 respectively, these two albums from cult Cuban bandleader and trombone legend Juan Pablo Torres have been snapped up by Mr Bongo for their Cuban Classics reissue series, and we can't wait. 77's Súper-son and the following year's Algo Nuevo are both absolute scorchers in the Afro-Cuban jazz-funk genre, with psychedelia, disco, synths, and orchestral grooves thrown into the mighty mix. If "tripped-out, cosmic rabbithole, psych guitars and skat vocals opening up into a joyful funk groove laced with jazzy Afro-Cuban horns stabs" sounds like a bit of you, this one-two punch from Mr Bongo almost certainly has your name on it. - Flying Out 

Next up in the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics series is an outing by the mighty Juan Pablo Torres from 1978. Released on Cuba's state-owned Areito imprint, Algo Nuevo showcases trombonist, bandleader, arranger and producer Juan Pablo Torres' unique scope of sound. A melting pot of an album that weaves together jazz-funk and traditional Afro-Cuban genres with tripped-out synth touches and dancefloor grooves.

The opener Pan Caliente is a fiery celebration, combining a driving groove with Latin percussion, feverish horns and infectious "la-la-la" vocals. The wild, squelching cosmic synthlines give an otherworldly touch to proceedings that sit nicely on a modern dancefloor. Guajira 2001 is perhaps Juan's future-focussed take on the vibrant style of Cuban dance-led music called guajira. Blistering bongos, congas and claves moving together with trumpets, trombones and twanging acoustic guitars that you can't help but bounce to. Other highlights include, Cacao, a Cuban cosmic funk strutter that places the claves upfront, with a scatting vocal line and percussive climax reminiscent of George Kranz electronic disco anthem Din Daa Daa from 1983. Elsewhere, Elvira further showcases the psychedelic essence of many of the album's tracks. A deep Latin workout where tasty percussive breaks and scorching keys blend with trippy vocals and rumbling synths. A varied album encompassing a variety of Afro-Cuban genres and rhythms entwined with flashes of mind-bending cosmic influence. Algo Nuevo is a further jewel in Cuba's musical crown of riches, with plenty of dancefloor treats and downtempo numbers held within.

Tracklist:

1. Pan Caliente
2. Son de Caramelo Para Ti
3. Guajira 2001
4. Cacao
5. Tatagua
6. Rumba de Cajon Op 1
7. Mangle
8. Elvira
9. Mayajigua
10. Asi Son Con El Son