2015

26 RED HOT SKIN SLAPPIN' BONGO BASHIN' LATIN JAZZ N' MAMBO BANGERS - The phrase 'living legend' is undoubtedly overused but there can be few people more deserving of such an accolade than Jack Costanzo. Born on the 24th September 1919, Costanzo is arguably the most significant percussionist of the modern era. Playing with many key orchestras, leading his own band, appearing in numerous TV shows and films and tutoring bongo playing to the stars, more than any other figure Jack Costanzo brought percussion, specifically Latin percussion and his trademark bongos, to widespread attention. But he wasn't merely a popularist, he was in turn revered by his peers and critics alike for his natural ability, invention, and perhaps most importantly his sheer versatility. He became known as 'Mr. Bongo' (first coined by jazz critic Leonard Feather), and the tag could hardly be more appropriate.Latin music and its influence in general is often criminally overlooked in music history, but as a white Italian American who rose to prominence playing Latin music at the height of the mambo craze of the 1950s, Jack Costanzo has probably even more neglected. But hopefully not for too much longer as this 23 track retrospective seeks to redress the balance and give him the special treatment his spectacular career deserves. Showcasing many of the musical highlights of his mid-50s peak and featuring extensive liner notes based on new interviews with Costanzo himself, 'Mr. Bongo' serves as a perfect introduction to the many who may not yet be aware of Jack Costanzo, as well as providing those who are already fans with the ultimate collection of his work.· All tracks digitally restored from original sources· Deluxe double-gatefold 2LP vinyl WITH FREE 'HOW TO PLAY THE BONGOS' 20 PAGE BOOKLET INSIDE!· CD with 16 page colour booklet· Original cover art from Derek Yaniger· Both formats contain pics & notes provided personally by Jack Costanzo himself

Recorded in Germany and the Uk between 2010 and 2012.

Heavy-hitting dancefloor Cadence from Martinique. A classic of the genre from MB, with snappy drums and bass, Rhodes and saxophone. Polished, jazzy and hard-swinging.None other than The Hamsters on the flip, tiny gnashers bared with carnival-style ferocity. Thumping bass and insistent drums, plus a heavy dose of Haitian-influenced guitars, equals sure-fire party-starter.

Food and funk music have a strange connection, which is hard to describe, and even if tried, probably delivers somewhat messy and unappetizing results. There are plenty of 70's funk LP sleeves that can be referenced for evidence.With all this in mind Timmion offers its very first 12" single lifted from the upcoming "Happiness In Every Style" album by Nicole Willis. The track features Nicole rapping her way through a highly funky potage. She promises home cooking, biscuits and everything else for anyone listening, peach cobbler for dessert to top things off. It is certain that when hearing this call, one can do nothing else but jump straight to the dancefloor.Those who want to skip the main-course and head straight for the dessert, can flip the disc over, and be exposed to the hypnotic balearic-funk business that just kills things for 6 and a half minutes. A bit like Isaac Hayes and Barry White originally meant it to be done, but à la mode by the The Soul Investigators. The instrumental deserves to be pimped for across-the-board appraisal.