Customer Reviews

The Connection, Vol. 1

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When it comes to Afro Latin grooves and music of black origin Rich Medina and Bobbito are two of New York's top tastemakers. They are also long time friends and dj collaborators so you know this compilation is going to be "un poco caliente".

Senor Medina kicks us off with a deep Afro selection befitting of the driving force behind Jump `n Funk, probably the best Fela Kuti tribute party outside of Lagos. The opener `Let It Roll' by Holland's AIFF is a pure statement of intent and a great example of the global reach of Fela's musical legacy with it's classic drums and horns combining with some great atmospheric keys and guitar.

In fact the whole Medina selection is an all killer no filler trip through the modern world of western Afro inspired grooves with the exception of the original African funky highlife of Sir Victor Uwaifo and his infectious `Do Lelezi Ekassa'.

The retro style of The Daktaris and the Soul Jazz Orchestra sit comfortably alongside the modern beats of Franck Biyong, Raw Artistic Soul and Blaze, all united in their hip shaking Afro roots.

Bobbito ploughs a mainly Latin soul furrow with his selection kicking off with the Rob Swift beat excursion `Salsa Scratch' before London's Grupo X hit us with the musical warmth of `Sunshine'. Setenta provide a sure fire floor filler with their fusion of Latin Beats, party lyrics and a none too subtle appropriation of a well-known Jacksons' hook.

The deep sweet Latin house of Louie Vega, the Afro funk of Saravah Soul, the deep Afro Latin percussion of Totin's `Rumba Cultura' and the classic vocals of Elenita Ruiz round off Bobitto's selection nicely and combined with Medina's Afrocentric choices provide an essential look into the western world's welcome hijack of Afro Latin music.

Hard at first to get into, yet the more i did listen the more i understood. If you are already used to this type of music, you should enjoy this album