third album

direct from havana, cuba daptone records is proud to present the debut single by orquesta akokan. featuring some of havanas most formidable musicians playing with a groove, a tumbao, that hasn t been heard for decades, orquesta akokán is a classic mambo-inspired force of nature. mambo rapidito, a lively up-tempo one-chord vamp in the vein of prado or more, boasts an undeniable energy ripe for a freshly polished dancefloor! on the flip, un tabaco para elegua, describes a tambor (an afro-cuban religious ceremony) over a slow, bubbling groove a perfect compliment to sipping distilled sugar cane. the two massive sides offered up were recorded at the pre-revolutionary 1940s era areito studios in centro havana where the spirit of aragón, tata güines and elena burke still reverberate through the walls.

lp limited to 300 copies

as always, limited

akokan is a yoruba word used in cuba meaning from the heart, and indeed, every song on the self-titled debut album (march 30/daptone records) by orquesta akokan feels like a heartfelt gift from the band to the listener. assembled and led by cuban vocalist jose pepito gomez, orquesta akokan is a big band collective of the finest musicians on the island, both young and old. it features all-original music and was cut live to tape over a three-day session at havanas hallowed state-run estudios areito. areito is one of the longest operating studios in the world and where important cuban records have been made. the album was produced by jacob plasse and arranged by mike eckroth. comes in a gatefold sleeve with download code included.

obbatuké are an 8-piece rumba group from santiago de cuba, lead by renowned quinto player carlos guerra. the band are mainstays at the casa del caribe, widely regarded as the epicentre for the eastern rumba scene.
rumba is a percussive-led genre descended from africa which was formed when mixed with spanish influences in the ports of havana and matanzas.
as innovators in the genre, obbatuké have been a huge inspiration to the manana project, and were involved in collaborations at this year’s event with plaid, quantic, nicolas jaar and london based breakthrough act, ariwo. this particular session was recorded at castlesound studios in edinburgh on the band’s first trip outside of cuba. it features three different sub-genres of rumba and an extended yoruba bata piece called orun seco.

die sprache der trommeln - eine rhythmische reise durch genres und kontinente.

basic fingers is back with their third release! this time we are giving you two strong remixes from los angeles based dj & producer jose marquez. his sound has often been described as a fusion of deep afro-latin soul and percussive dancefloor rhythms, something perfectly showcased on this release.

clausells excellent, in demand percussive house pieces that were only available as a 5x12inch box, available now as single 12inch releases!

joe clausell has long been one of new york city’s busiest dance figures, thanks to his work in all areas of the house community: as a highly respected dj, producer, remixer, and label-head. after a decade long break from releasing a full length, here’s ‘un.chained rhythums part 1’ with a mix of worldmusic and afro/latin inspired club tracks