Envision a dark, low lit, smokey club where stylishly dressed women and gentlemen congregate amidst the playing of sophisticated Afro-Cuban jazz. Sure it could be taken from a page of “I Am Cuba”, but the soundtrack to this fantasy is realistically provided by Bahama Soul Club. Spearheaded by German producer Oliver Belz, Bahama Soul Club’s latest work “The Cuban Tapes” is packaged with elegant Cuban jazz rhythms and swinging soul that authentically sounds like it’s straight from the heart of Havana.
Listening to cuts like “Ay Jona”, it is evident that BSC have not only aimed at recreating the ideal theme of a dark jazz club, but the magic lies in the details of the recording, where lo-fi piano riffs go head on with sexy vibraphone playing. Chatter sits underneath the track towards the end, giving an actual feel of a venue. “Moaners” is somewhat a tribute to the great American vocalist Bessie Smith, as her vocals are sprinkled on top a funky groove containing a bellying tenor sax and strums of the Hammond organ. However, the real highlight moments of “The Cuban Tapes” burst through in the collaboration tracks, such as “Tiki Suite Pt. 3-In The Night” featuring Ana Luca. The song perfectly creates a marriage of the past and present without appearing to be too “throwback”. Luca’s buttery rich vocals are the perfect spread to the luminous, uptempo cut. Ruthie Foster gives “Grinning In Your Face” that powerhouse kick of soul while Arema Arega adds the sexiness to the hazy relaxation of “Tiki Suite Pt. 2-Mirando Al Mar”. While many artists are reducing the number of songs on an album, Bahama Soul Club goes deep with a whopping seventeen tracks, playing out like one long party.
Bahama Soul Club’s “The Cuban Tapes” is a fine work of art that will sit well with enthusiasts who fancy the 60s era of Latin jazz. If listening to the album makes you want to jump up and boogie, then Bahama Soul Club have achieved their mission.
Bahama Soul Club’s “The Cuban Tapes” is out now on Buyú Records.