SOUL OF SPANISH HARLEM / VARIOUS

Double vinyl LP pressing. 2008 release. The mid-to-late '60s produced an explosion of Latin Soul, emanating a few blocks east of Harlem's Apollo Theater in East or Spanish Harlem. This compilation features the sweet harmony sounds of artists from the area - including Joe Bataan, Ralphi Pagan, the Lebron Brothers and a host of unknowns who recorded for labels such as Fania, Cotique and Speed. It also includes rare 45s by Parrish and 125th Street Candy Store. It gathers up some of the rarest and most sought after recordings of the era, including three-figure singles by Frankie Nieves, Tony Middleton and Harvey Averne which are collected by dancers, as well as Olivieri and Ralphi and the Latin Lovers which are sought-after by vocal group fans. The booklet features a wealth of rare or previously unseen memorabilia and photographs from the labels and artists. The sleeve notes tell the story of a unique and very brief period in the history of Latin music in America. A story with the sweetest of soundtracks. Beat Goes On.