Gilberto Cruz - Chanchullo (1971)

Pianist and bandleader, born in Ponce, Puerto Rico

The best cuts have a really soulful groove – like the slow funky Latin groover "Chanchullo", with a very catchy vocal refrain and some great vibes; or the excellent Latin funk cover of James Brown's "Hot Pants"; or even the two straight soul numbers, "Tighter Tighter" and "Baby Baby", both sung in English with a strong harmony feel. Other tracks include "Resignacion", "Mi Son Montuno", and "La Rumba Te Llama". Great stuff all around!