Willie Bobo - Lost And Found (2006)

In the '60s and '70s, drummer/percussionist Willie Bobo easily crossed over from bop to boogaloo to salsa, influencing musicians like Santana, who recorded a version of Bobo's "Evil Ways." After Bobo died in 1983 at the young age of 49, his son, Eric, discovered unreleased demo tapes that his father had recorded between 1970 and 1976. Lost and Found sees their release 30 years later. With production help from Eric's DJ friend, Mario Caldato Jr., these twelve tracks feature Bobo supported by keyboards, wah-wah guitar, bass, and horns. Longtime Bobo fans will dig these swinging versions of "Broasted or Fried," "Soul Foo Young," and "Ci Ci," with Bobo's zesty, beat-box vocal percussion. Bobo's love for Brazilian music is evident on his heartfelt renditions of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Dindi" and Eumir Deadato's "Little Tear," complete with Bobo's earthy rap/monologue. Bobo doesn't solo that much and personnel information on the band is not provided, but this music still highlights Bobo at his sizzling and syncopated best. --Eugene Holley Jr.