Joe Cuba Sextette - Bustin' Out (1972)

Latin, Latin soul, vibes Bustin' Out shows the influence of Harlem River Drive but lacks Eddie Palmieri's vision or consistency. Do You Feel It has a wonderful spoken intro and relocates the Harlem River Drive experience to Cuba's childhood barrio. But it is more mood than music, which is a shame considering the Sextet's ability and history with Latin soul. "Pud-Da-Din" is X-rated for airplay but probably would raise no hackles if broadcast now. The surprise track is "Ooh! Ah," which is closest to the best, most fun Joe Cuba Sextet material of previous albums. The rest range from instrumental jams to less successful vocal tracks. Of course, any Joe Cuba album is worth finding, and Do You Feel It is a classic, hip groove of the era's chicano-funk variety.~Tony Wilds