Folk /
Soogie
“Soogie” (1969) was Willie Rodríguez’s first album for Mary Lou Records. Mary Lou Records, at that time, was also one of the labels in the right place at the right time, just before Fania smashed almost all the competition. The album is mostly comprised of guaguancós, boleros, and improvised-space-filling descargas (jam sessions). This is remarkable, as it hardly includes boogaloo, which was still prevalent during those years, yet already on the way out.
According to Bobby Marín, its musical dir…
Los Orientales de Paramonga 1972-1976
In the late 1960s, the coastal city of Paramonga, just a three-hour drive north of Lima, gave rise to a vibrant music scene shaped by surf, rockabilly, and tropical sounds. Among its protagonists were two musicians, Víctor Ramírez and Maximiliano Chávez, who, with their psychedelic guitars, Fender amplifiers, and wah-wah pedals, would define not only their own sound but also shape the musical identity of the region. Under the mentorship of their manager, Néstor “Romanito” Robles, the two guitari…
El Nuevo Montuno Llegó
First legitimately licensed and remastered vinyl edition of this legendary salsa dura classic from Puerto Rico’s Roberto Y Su Nuevo Montuno, originally released on Rubén Haddock’s Uniart label in 1970. Featuring detailed liner notes that reveal the untold story of the band and their debut album, and rare photos.