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One of those rare, lesser-known Latin funk gems is undoubtedly Miami by Dominican-Venezuelan musician Porfi Jiménez, originally released in 1971. Sought after by DJs and collectors for years, original copies are now almost impossible to find in decent condition.
The track has been high on Matasuna Records‘ wish list for a long time – and after several years of work, it’s finally getting an official reissue. The release also includes a great edit by Philadelphia-based DJ and producer Retro Roland Riso, who has already left his mark on previous Matasuna releases. This heavy Latin funk joint from Venezuela is ready to bring the heat just in time for summer!

The original version of „Miami“ impresses with its driving percussion, powerful horns and raw, unpolished sound, delivering pure energy. The fusion of funk grooves and Latin American rhythms creates an infectious vibe that is perfect for the dance floor.
Retro Roland Riso’s edit carefully enhances the track by adding extra beats and percussive elements, giving it more punch and making it even more club-friendly, while staying true to the original feel. It’s a fresh favourite for any bag!

Artist info

Porfi Jiménez, whose real name was Porfirio Jiménez Núñez, was born in 1928 in Hato Mayor del Rey in the Dominican Republic. He began his musical training at the early age of 9. After studying at the Municipal Academy of Music he became a member of an orchestra at the radio station Voz Dominicana. Its director Enrico Cabiatti introduced him to the art of arranging.

Due to the Trujillo dictatorship, he left the country in 1954 and went to Venezuela, where the young musician became famous as a trumpeter and played in the most important groups of the time. The quality of his original arrangements opened the doors of the most famous record companies of the time in Venezuela. Porfi also became one of the most outstanding composers and arrangers of those years, rebuilding Cuban José Pagé’s Cuban label Velvet in Venezuela and working for all the label’s national and international singers.

At the end of the 50’s until the beginning of the 60’s, he worked in orchestras of various TV stations in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. In 1963, Jiménez founded his own orchestra, which became known as one of the most important musical groups in Venezuela throughout Latin America.

In the 70’s, musical transformations resulted from the emergence of new musical styles & rhythms. Porfi Jimenez, as a contemporary artist and passionate jazzman, began to incorporate new musical elements into his songs that distanced him from the prevailing commercial style. This resulted in the album Parrilla Caliente, which was released as the band Phirpo y sus Caribes and remained the band’s only album. The production, practically unknown, allowed him to experiment and express his artistic creativity, distancing himself from the traditional style of his dance orchestra.

Salsa music and its orchestras lost importance in the 80s and were displaced by new music. However, another Caribbean rhythm filled the gap: the Merengue, which triggered an international boom. Porfi also embarked on this path, releasing an album that immediately catapulted him back to fame. It was a period in which he received numerous awards, such as two gold and one platinum disc.

Shortly before his death, on June 9th 2010, Porfi Jiménez managed to realize his lifelong dream: the formation of his jazz big band, with which he performed at numerous festivals in Caracas. With it, he left an important musical legacy, with several original compositions and arrangements of the most prominent names in jazz history. In 2007, Porfi Jiménez was honored by the United Nations as one of the most outstanding musicians of the continent.

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Berlin based label Matasuna Records kicks off the new year 2025 with a soulful 7inch featuring songs by Barcelona’s The Blaxound and singer John Vermont. Their common love for vintage soul from the 60s and 70s brought them together for this project to compose and record classic soul sung in Spanish. This 45 shows that the concept worked out wonderfully: Spanish Soul at its best, sounding authentic and contemporary at the same time!

Matasuna Records, known for its reissues of musical treasures from the past, also has an eye for exciting new discoveries in contemporary music. With The Blaxound & John Vermont the label has once again found an interesting project for soulful & contemporary music that fits perfectly into the label’s sound spectrum and will appeal to lovers of authentic soul music.

The two songs No Es Por Ti and Qué Más Te Da? from their recently released album will be released for the first time as a 7-inch vinyl single on Matasuna Records. The instrumentation and the lovely harmonies are the ideal basis for John Vermont, who with his versatile voice, sometimes powerful, sometimes smooth – but always soulful – can fully develop his vocal spectrum and fill the songs with his presence. Instrumental and vocal arrangements are beautifully balanced and harmonious. Beatific!

Artist info:

The Blaxound is a Barcelona-based music project with deep ties to the city’s Funk and Soul sceney. The project started in 2003 under the direction of musician, songwriter and producer Marta Roman. The Blaxound has released four studio albums between 2007 and 2024 on different labels.

Years ago, Marta focused on the idea of recording a classic soul album sung in Spanish, respecting as much as possible the original production and sound of the late 60s and early 70s. Luckily, she met singer Ivan Espejo aka John Vermont, which was the turning point and led to the full vocal album Déjalo Ir released on Love Soul Productions in 2024.

All songs were composed, recorded and produced by Marta Roman in her own studio, Black Flamingo Recordings, in Barcelona, Spain.

Matasuna Records, on a mission to unearth musical treasures of the past for the last 7 years, presents an exciting discovery of the present with the band Bidaide from Barcelona. This 7-inch vinyl single not only marks Bidaide’s vinyl debut, but also unveils their captivating versatility and musicality with two previously unreleased tracks, Batua and Love Me & Give Up.
Soul, funk, psychedelic rock, reggae-dub and library music merge seamlessly in Bidaide’s recordings, forming a unique sound. Two great tracks that are now available on vinyl!

Batua on the A-side is the energetic prelude to this 45. A dynamic, unfiltered rhythm section provides the foundation, while two guitars engage in an agile conversation underscored by sharp keys and fantastic brass overdubs. Recorded in the band’s studio on multiple tracks using analog methods and equipment, the song boasts an opulent, organic sound. Batua is a funky, psychedelic journey interspersed with soulful & harmonious interludes and stirring percussive breaks.

Flipping to the B-side, Love Me & Give Up offers a more soulful, relaxed contrast, showcasing the band’s versatility. A laid-back beat sets the stage, with keys and guitars weaving a soulful sound tapestry.The chorus, delivered with restrained conviction and backed by a warm organ, evoke a Motown-esque charm.

Founded in 2019, Bidaide began as a duo with Asier del Álamo and Juan Cruz Chiappara. With the arrival of Sergio Caño (keyboards), Manuel Diaz (drums), and Nacho Llauradó (Telecaster), the duo blossomed into a vibrant band. Through experimentation and maturation, they forged their own distinct sound, reflected in their 2021-2022 recordings titled BATUA (Basque for unity). These recordings embody the spiritual essence of a group that has found and solidified its own powerful sound, showcasing its talent for arrangements and harmonies.

Some members of Bidaide, who already knew Matasuna and their releases through their involvement in the Gatzara Soundsystem, sent Matasuna their demo of the recordings in mid-2003. Their fresh, impressive sound immediately found open ears. This connection paved the way for Bidaide’s exciting vinyl debut, marking a new chapter in their musical journey.

Matasuna returns to Mexico again – this time to the musical epicenter Monterrey in the north of the country. The band La Tribu recorded there the song No Te Quiero Mas (I Don’t Want You More), which was released on Polydor in 1971. The Latin soul joint is a gem among connoisseurs and it’s difficult to get the original 45. Matasuna is therefore all the more pleased to be able to release the tune for the first time as an official reissue together with a fabulous edit by Voodoocuts.

The A-side features the original of the song. No Te Quiero Mas (I Don’t Want You More) is a killer uptempo Latin soul & funk song. The drums, horns, organ and bass create a fast-paced foundation that is enriched by the vocals of singer Leopoldo ‘Polo’ Sánchez Labastida. A massive tune!

The B-side features an edit by Voodoocuts, who has already put his musical stamp on  various Matasuna releases. Here, too, he delivers another terrific edit that respectfully takes on the original material. His clever re-arrangement expands the song and his drums spice up the already great original. In particular, his solo drum breaks provide additional explosive moments and lead to a furious reinterpretation of the song.

Artist info

Monterrey is the capital of the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León. Along with Mexico City, Monterrey is one of the musical epicenters in Mexico. On the one hand, through Cumbia Tropical, the Mexican version of Cumbia. This music achieved great fame especially through the Sonideros: music lovers and DJs who played that music to the neighborhoods with their sound systems.

But Rock music also has a long history in this city. One of these bands was La Tribu, founded at the end of the 60s. Like many other rock groups of that time, they covered various songs of successful bands such as the Beatles, Chicago, Ides Of March and others. In 1969, their debut LP Great Britains Best Sellers was released: a compendium of cover versions of popular hits sung in Spanish.

In 1971 they recorded music with their own compositions and released an EP with three songs, where Por Perderte (For Losing You) became the band’s most famous song. The success led them to be scheduled for the Festival Rock y Ruedas de Avándaro held in September 1971. It was a historic rock festival that took place in the spirit of Woodstock in front of a huge audience and went down in the musical annals in Mexico. The participation could have greatly influenced their musical path. But for unknown reasons their place was filled at the last minute by another band.

In 1972 they recorded new songs in order to regain the lost ground caused by their failure to participate at the Avándaro festival. However, the great success should remain denied to them. Also they never finished a second LP.

This was certainly due to the political situation that arose in the aftermath of the Avándaro Music Festival. Drug use, sex and nudity were denounced in media campaigns in  newspapers, radio and television and had far-reaching and harsh consequences. Rock music was censored in many places: rock clubs had to change their music program or even close down. So this music really disappeared or had to go underground.

On the other hand, the death of lead singer Leopoldo ‘Polo’ Sánchez Labastida in 1974 made it very difficult for the band to record new music, so the band practically disappeared from the scene. It wasn’t until the new millennium that the remaining living members got back together to sporadically perform their „hits“ as well as other cover songs at events in the north of the republic – especially their hometown of Monterrey.

Matasuna‘s latest tidbit takes us back to the South American continent once again – to Venezuela to be exact. The song Zambo by the band La Retreta Mayor, which was released in 1976 on the LP of the same name, is now available as an official reissue and the very first time ever on a 7inch vinyl single! The 45 is complemented by an excellent rework of the American producer & DJ King Most from San Francisco.

The A-side features the original of the song. Zambo is a furious mix with versatile influences of Latin, Jazz & Funk. The rich horn section and percussion of the guest quartet bring pure heat to the track – the drums, bass and piano intensify this even more. An absolute heater for the dance floor!

The B-side features the King Most Redirection. The talented producer gently takes on the song, keeping the organic vibe of the original but still giving it a different, new side. His re-arrangement and additional in/outro and a new passage in the middle of the song fit exquisitely. Also his crunchy drums and own piano passages are very tasty and give the song an own flavour!

Artist info

Alexandro Rodríguez was born in Caracas in 1952 and is considered one of Venezuela’s most important jazz guitarists of the seventies. He studied classical guitar in his early years, played electric guitar in various rock groups and performed at various national music festivals. He also had the opportunity to play as a musician for renowned orchestras such as Onda Nueva, Renny Show’s Orchestra on Venezuelan Television and Radio Caracas TV’s Orchestra.

In the late 1970’s he recorded two significant works that may be considered a reference in Venezuelan music history. He formed the short-lived band La Retreta Mayor to record a self-titled album, which was released as an LP on the Venezuelan label Discomoda in 1976. The 10-piece band and numerous guest musicians created a jazzfunk & fusion gem. The band unfortunately broke up right after the recording and did not play live or record any more music. His self-released album Busqueda, released in 1978 under his name, was recorded between New York and Caracas and has an excellent reputation not only in connoisseur circles. In 2012, the album was reissued on CD by a Japanese label, proving the influence Alexandro’s music still has in the jazz scene today.

Between 1979 and 1982, Alexandro lived in New York, where he worked as a composer, arranger, performer and orchestrator in the jazz scene with renowned orchestras before returning to Venezuela. Subsequently, his musical career turned to the classical guitar, both as a composer and performer. In 2013, he settled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (USA), where he continues his activity as composer, arranger, guitarist, bassist and teacher to the present time.

With their latest release, Matasuna Records brings together two songs from 1966 that were originally released on J-V/Atlantic Records & ATCO Records. Now officially reissued for the first time on 7inch vinyl. Aside from the same release year, the two songs – a Northern Soul joint by Cliff Nobles and a Mod Jazz tune by Russell Evans & The Nite Hawks – seem to have little in common. However, both are delicacies for any dance floor and combine an irrepressible energy. The two songs thus fit perfectly together on this hot & fiery 45!

My Love Is Getting Stronger by Cliff Nobles on the A-side is not only a super rare soul gem whose original single cost at least $700 dollars. The song can also be considered one of the best (Northern) soul tunes. A grooving bass, infectious drums & bongos meet great orchestrated horns driven by Nobles’ raw yet sweet voice. A smokin’ soul cut for any dance floor.
The instrumental The Bold by Russell Evans & The Nite Hawks on the B-side brings out the same irrepressible energy. The deep bassline, drumbreaks and funky guitar riffs introduce this terrific song. A deep organ joins in perfect interplay and enchants the listener. A great groover that shouldn’t leave any record box!

Artist info

Cliff Nobles, born in 1944 in Groove Hill (Alabama) got into singing in his high school choir in Mobile (Alabama). He also became the lead singer of a popular local group called The Delroys. After school, he moved to Philadelphia to work on his career. He recorded 3 songs for Atlantic Records, which went unnoticed. He later formed the band Cliff Nobles & Co in Norristown with Benny Williams (bass), Bobby Tucker (lead guitar) and Tommy Soul (drums).

Through demo tapes, Nobles came to the attention of producer Jesse James, who began to write songs for the band and helped them get a contract with Phil L.A. Of Soul Records. The first release bombed, but the second single, Love Is All Right/The Horse, brought success. Ironically, the instrumental B-side The Horse, which Nobles didn’t even perform on, became a huge hit. It reached #2 on the charts, sold over 1 million copies and was awarded a gold record by the R.I.A.A..

However, subsequent releases failed to match his success, and he retired from the music business in the early 1970s. Nobles died in October 2008 at the age of 67 in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Tracklist:

A Ralph Weeks – Let Me Do My Thing (Original) 03:22
B Ralph Weeks – Let Me Do My Thing (Voodoocuts Edit) 04:16

Description

Matasuna Records is delighted to reissue another jewel on vinyl: Ralph Week‘s song ‘Let Me Do My Thing’ is probably the most sought after Panamanian soul tune and the rare original 7inch is sold at incredible prices. The song was recorded together with the band ‘Los Dinámicos Exciters’ in 1971 in Panama.

On the A-side of the vinyl you can listen to the amazing original version recorded in 1971 – which was remastered for the release. The funky Latintune has all the ingredients that helped him to his status as one of the best Panamanian soul songs: a killer rhythm, a deep grooving bass line, the virtuoso interplay of the trumpet players and the super sweet soul voice of Ralph Weeks. There’s nothing more to add, but our favourite producer “Voodoocuts” was able to get something out of the original.

On the B-side you’ll find his version of the classic: a modified arrangement with a new in and outro, an extended break part and additional beats that will set every dance floor on fire. Don’t miss this gem! 

Artist info

During our research we were lucky to find Mr. Weeks, who could give us some background information to this song and his music career in general. Ralph Weeks was born 1943 in Panama, which he left at the age of 17 to move to the United States. There he founded the band ‘Ralph & Telecasters’ at the beginning of the 1960s. After his time in the US Army he started the band again, recorded their first single in 1965 and went touring in the United States during the following years. Among other gigs they also played twice in the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem (NYC) where one of the greatest musicians like Louis Armstron, James Brown, Marvin Gaye etc. performed there.

The charismatic singer and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass & keyboard) was invited to a show in Panama in 1970, where he performed with members of the band ‘Los Dinámicos Exciters ‘, which he knew from his youth. In 1971 he came back again and recorded four songs with the band, which were released on the album “Lo Mejor De Los Dinámicos Exciters”. Two of the recordings were also released under Ralph’s name as a 7inch vinyl single on the Panamanian label “Sally Ruth Records” – among them “Let Me Do My Thing”.
Then he returned to the States and founded a new band in 1975 with Carlos Brown, a member of the Exciters, which existed for about 25 years. Weeks’ life has always been dedicated to music: even today, at the age of 76, he is still a member of an accapella gospel group that sings weekly at the church in his hometown in the state of Connecticut.

Tracklist:

A Black Sugar – Viajecito 05:11
B Black Sugar –  Too Late 03:03

Description

Matasuna Records is delighted to present another highlight with its new release: the first ever official reissue of the 7inch “Viajecito/Too Late” by Peruvian band “Black Sugar”. Originally released in 1971, the single is one of the most in demand Latin American 45s. So it isn’t surprising that nowadays 7inches in good condition are extremly rare and only available for several hundred dollars.
Both tracks were completely remastered in Lima (Peru) and now sound better than ever!

“Viajecito” opens the single and surprises with his varied composition: guitar riffs meet strange vocal/animal sounds and create a psychedelic atmosphere. With introduction of the bassline, the piano and the rhythm section, the track moves away from this mood. When the horns start to play and the vocals appear, the track gets another turn and takes the listener on “a little journey”. Excellent Latin Jazz track that makes you want more!

“Too Late” is one of the biggest tunes of the Northern Soul scene and also one of the most sought after vinyl. Listening to it reveals why: the piano and the brass create an extremely intoxicating melody – perfectly accompanied by a great rhythm combo, which is pushed further and further by the singer. For sure one of the best Latinsoul songs and a bomb for every dancefloor! 

Artist info

In 1970 Black Sugar emerged from the band “Los Far-Fen”, which was founded 1969 by guitarist Victor “Coco” Salazar and keyboardist Miguel “Chino” Figueroa. The new musical director of the label Sono Radio, Jamie Delgado, signed them in 1970 and gave the band its name “Black Sugar”. He also helped them to record & release their first self-titled LP in 1971. Black Sugar was formed by some of Peru’s best young musicians of their day and achieved great success in South America.