For this new 45, Matasuna Records has once again delved into the ATCO and Atlantic vaults, pairing two mid-to-late 1960s cuts by The Harvey Averne Dozen and Louie Ramirez & His Orchestra. Though connected through the wider New York Latin music scene of that time, the two sides take very different paths, ranging from warm, vocal-led Latin Soul crossover to rhythm-driven Cha-Cha-Cha/Boogaloo centred on movement and pulse. A concise pairing of two distinct yet complementary sides, now officially reissued on 45.

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SONG INFORMATION

The mid-tempo Latin Soul crossover You’re No Good by The Harvey Averne Dozen, originally released in 1968, opens the A-side of the single.

A steady groove, built around drums, bass, and percussion, shapes the track, while the vibraphone and layered instrumentation add a distinct tonal colour. The arrangement is open and well-paced, allowing the individual parts to settle naturally without crowding each other. Lyrically, the song conveys a direct, unembellished message. The recording also captures a wider moment in 1960s music, where established sounds gradually opened toward new directions and evolving forms.

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The B-side features Mueve la Cadera by Louie Ramirez & His Orchestra, originally released in 1965. Driven by percussion and sharp brass arrangements, the track gradually builds momentum through repeating vocal lines, shifting rhythmic tension, and tightly interwoven ensemble playing. The arrangement never stays in one spot for too long – pulling back, opening up and locking back into the groove as the track moves forward.

A raw sense of movement runs through the whole recording, carried as much by the percussion as by the orchestra’s own energy.

ARTIST PROFILES

The Harvey Averne Dozen was led by vibraphonist, arranger and producer Harvey Averne, born in 1936. He became closely associated with the Latin Soul movement that emerged in New York in the 1960s. Blending Latin rhythms with elements of Soul, R&B, and broader contemporary sounds, his work reflected the increasingly open musical landscape of the time.

Prior to establishing his own record label, Averne worked in production and executive roles within the record industry, gaining experience in both the creative and organisational aspects of recording. In 1972, he founded Coco Records, a label that would become a significant platform for Latin music in New York, releasing recordings by artists such as Eddie Palmieri, among others.

Alongside his own projects, Averne worked as an arranger, producer and session musician on a wide range of recordings.

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Born in New York in 1938, Louie Ramirez emerged as one of the defining figures in Latin music throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Active as a vibraphonist, percussionist, bandleader, composer and producer, his distinctive approach was shaped by rhythm-driven arrangements, ensemble interplay and a strong sense of movement.

From the 1970s onwards, Ramirez was closely associated with the legendary Fania Records family of labels, working as a staff producer and arranger for imprints including Alegre, Tico, Vaya and International. He arranged and produced countless recordings for a wide range of major Latin artists and remained active as a musician, collaborating on numerous releases throughout this period.

His influence on Latin music extended far beyond his own recordings. Often referred to as the Quincy Jones of Salsa – or simply El Genio – Ramirez played a lasting role in shaping the sound and production of Latin music during one of its most influential eras.

Matasuna Records musical journey takes the listener this time to Panama – a country in Central America, which offers a rich and breath-taking variety of musical treasures. In a first reissue, two songs from the legendary Loyola Records label were selected, both released in 1969: one by Camilo Azuquita and one by the group Panama Brass. Two super-rare tunes that fetch crazy prices, if you’re lucky enough to find a copy at all. Available for the first time as an official reissue on 7inch vinyl – remastered from the original master tapes. The song by Panama Brass even makes its 7inch premiere. Don’t sleep on it!

The A-side features the killer boogaloo tune Borombon by Camilo Azuquita. Its take of the song composed by Javier Vasquez is undoubtedly the best version of this song. The striking piano, driving bass and rich horns are fueled by percussive accompaniment and especially by Azuquita’s powerful voice. A terrific song that has also recently gained new notoriety in movies and series – such as Better Call Saul.

The B-side features the instrumental Latin Jazz/Guaracha tune Con La Mano En La Biblia by Panama Brass – an orchestra led by the excellent organist Cristobal Munoz Jr and consisting of Panama’s best musicians. A no less energetic and furious song composed by G. Garcias. The musicians of the orchestra combine a great musicality and diversity in the song, delivering a special delicacy.

Artist info