Another stunning compilation of seldom heard sounds from Soul Jazz. This time around, the UK label set their sights on the experimental rock music of Venezuela in the 1970's, "a time when the country was both a modern cultural and economic powerhouse in Latin America on account of wealth from its vast oil supplies." The tracks herein combine cosmic rock sounds akin to experimental krautrock groups like Can, Amon Duul, Neu, etc. with funk, jazz, and latin rhythms with roots in their native Venezuelan music. From Soul Jazz - "Whilst much of 1960s Venezuelan rock music emulated British and USA styles, the 1970s saw the evolution of a new generation of creative artists such as Vytas Brenner, Angel Rada, Pablo Schneider and Miguel Angel Fuster, who all explored the possibilities of mixing together rock with elements of electronica, funk, jazz, latin rhythms simultaneously exploring their links with Venezuelan roots music, creating a new sound which blended a multitude of new and old world influences, uniquely Venezuelan." Includes tracks from many artists that remain unknown outside of Venezuela's borders including Un Dos Tres Y Fuera, Grupo C.I.M., Apocalipsis, and many more. 16 tracks in all on double vinyl with gatefold sleeve.

• double vinyl
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Soul Jazz Records 2016

reviewed by Al Pastor 07/2016