Pucho and his Latin Soul Brothers
Yaina (Cubop/Ubiquity 007)

Yaina is a little-known but positively smokin' groove album from Pucho and his Latin Soul Brothers, a latin jazz group that has still yet to receive any real recognition outside of latin jazz/acid groove circles. People seeking samples will probably have a heart attack hearing this one, as prime break after prime break rolls out, one after another.

The proceedings get underway with a 4½ minute workout on "You Can't Always Get What You Want," which shouldn't be as infectious as it is. Essentially, the melody of the original is abandoned after a cursory intro, then it's straight into the groove. The glorious "Cease the Bombing," which is always a pleasure, is track two (and was the opener on the original vinyl, I believe; "You Can't" is a bonus track), and the blending of electric piano, flute, and percussion could not be better. A classic.

"Chitterlings Con Carne" begins with the most out-of-control flute solo I've ever heard – makes Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull sound like Rampal. Awesome flutin' courtesy Harold Jazzbo Alexander, replete with strident howls strangulated into the mouthpiece. "Homeland" is a Mongo Santamaria-style good-time latin jazz tune with a groove hot enough to burn your forearm like an abusive mother with a cigarette and no patience.

"Yaina" showcases Willie Bivins on vibes, followed by "Inside the Corn," another funky classic. A take on John Coltrane's "Naima" follows that, giving the album a bit deeper feel and more atmosphere. Perfect for those "chill out" latin jazz orgies everyone seems to be throwing nowadays. Lots more flute.

"San Juan 2000" (which is a great band name now that I think of it) is a showcase for Pucho on timbales. The man is no Tito Puente, or even Poncho Sanchez, but he's all Pucho. This music is not like other music. "Hard Hat" gets into almost a rock vein, with a melody that recalls Horace Silver's "Song for my Father" and more flute.

Yaina is not especially easy to find, but it's well worth the search. This is the kind of stuff those "skanky" punk kids should be listening to – but then I'm not sure I could comprehend a world where I might see a Pucho sticker on a skateboard.

Loud Bassoon rating scale

Review by Whumpey Tohrl