DESCRIPTION
To launch the Mr Bongo Cuban Classics Series, this reissue presents a psychedelic-funk masterpiece from Grupo Los Yoyi—a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, disco, jazz, and funk, with elements reminiscent of 70s soundtrack productions. Featuring nine predominantly instrumental tracks, this cult album is a hidden gem that deserves far more recognition.
Originally released in 1977 on Cuba’s Areito Records, a sub-label of EGREM, the album is one of the rarest and most coveted records to come out of Cuba—even locally. It is the only album released by the group and was composed, arranged, and produced by the enigmatic Jorge Soler Leó.
Despite Cuba’s cultural embargo on Western music at the time, Yoyi covertly channels the influence of disco, jazz-funk, and experimental electronics from the US and Europe. The standout track ‘Paco La Calle’ has become a modern classic, re-edited in 2008 by Nick the Record, and remains a go-to dancefloor heater.
But this record goes well beyond a one-track wonder. From the squelchy funk and horn-heavy call-and-response of ‘Banana’, to the melodic groove of ‘Tu No Me Puedes Conquistar’, and the classic Latin energy of ‘Ruta 30’, this is a vibrant, varied, and innovative record from start to finish.
A true treasure from the Cuban archives and a perfect flagship title for Mr Bongo’s Cuban Classics Series.
TRACKLIST
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Banana
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Del Copacabana A 34
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Mi Pequeño Gran Paolo
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Paco La Calle
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Tu No Me Puedes Conquistar
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Yo, Mejor Te Doy
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Ruta 30
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Abuela Tula
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El Fino