by Ben Hogwood

What’s the story?

This is a vinyl and digital release of rare and unreleased material from Salsoul label co-founder Joe Bataan and several cohorts, mining the Ghetto Records vaults for material originally released in 1972. It includes an entire side of Bataan’s unreleased Drug Story, an extended track spanning a number of styles, traversing Latin funk, salsa and soul. Inspired by true events, it ranks among his most adventurous songs for a man described as ‘the poet laureate of El Barrio’.

In his own words on the press release, Bataan speaks of how “Ghetto Records was part of my journey, a stepping stone to everything else that I’ve done. I learned enough that it enabled me to get out of the box with my thinking, it showed me how to deal with adversity.”

What’s the music like?

Drug Story itself is an extraordinary piece of music, a suite in which Bataan stretches himself to tell a poignant story. The music responds in kind, initially slow but then flexing its muscles for a much more urgent soul soundtrack.

The other pieces are extremely complementary. Latin Soul Square Dance is superb, with sassy brass and brilliant lyrical couplets. There are two songs each from Eddie Lebron, The Edwards Generation and One’Sy Mack. Lebron’s My Vows To You shows off his vocal talents, while Sigue Tu Vida sashays irresistibly. Mack’s voice sounds great on Never Listen To Your Heart, and when paired with the string-laden part writing of A Part Of A Fool.

Does it all work?

It does indeed. The importance of Bataan’s contribution to soul and disco music tends to be overlooked, so it’s good to see him given top billing here.

Is it recommended?

Absolutely. Just the right mix of thought-provoking and spirit-lifting music here.

For fans of… Luther Vandross, Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, Smoove & Turrell

Listen and Buy

You can explore options for purchasing at the Now Again Records website

Published post no.2,159 – Thursday 25 April 2024