Matos, Bobby & The Combo Conquistadores: My Latin Soul LP

Released in 1968, the "My Latin Soul" album on Philips Records now receives a welcome reissue on Mr Bongo. It's a sheer delight throughout and a premier example of the Nu Yorican sound that was thriving in New York in the 1960s. From a young age, the Bronx, New York-born Latin jazz percussionist Bobby Matos found inspiration through the conga drum masters Mongo Santamaría and Patato Valdez (who he had informal backstage lessons with) and timbales legends Willie Bobo and Tito Puente. Bobby was drawn into New York's club scene and began playing in the vibrant 60s beat/bohemian Greenwich Village cafes, followed by stints in a wide range of different venues. He became an inspiration to many on the jazz dance and acid jazz scenes in the 1980s/90s where his recordings were picked and played, becoming prized collector items amongst DJs. The track 'Tema de Alma Latina' was immortalised as a classic for many, after being featured on Gilles Peterson's "Street Sounds Jazz Juice 5" compilation in 1987. A captivating listen from start to finish, the album is a truly iconic Latin classic whether you're being reunited with it like an old friend or discovering it as a fresh new find.