@@@ HERMANOS GUTIERREZ: Sonido Cósmico (Easy Eye Sound/Concord, 2024). The #1 record at WRIR in Virginia, my favorite world music station anywhere, they rock. The record is a two guitar instrumental record with the first tune coming out lonesome and desert-y, kinda spaghetti western-y, many different vibes here. All related vibes. The second tune has distinct U2 type vibes and a rhythm track. I’m an avid record collector and there have been versions of this record across a pretty extended time, I have a bunch of two Puerto Rican dudes (or three) play Latin flavored tunes together. It’s a chill sitch and is great music for folks with jobs but it’s not adventurous or distinct enough for my liking.
@@@ NEW REGENCY ORCHESTRA: New Regency Orchestra (Mr Bongo, 2024) The British (I think) label further solidifies its awesomeness with this Latin Jazz (not even a genre I have a great love for) with this record that has Latin feels but also old school American big band vibes. It sounds like Charles Mingus had a baby with these guys, it’s super smart and stylish with pumping Latin rhythms. The horn work here is especially notable, flavorful and catchy and that is not to put down the drumming — conga, metal and stick all bangin’ literally and flavor wise. Don’t sleep on this record. This is some smart and hot party music, great for the summer, it’s rare quality. Every track is a banger and I’m on track 4 and that’s rare. Now track 5
Deep In the Music 