Tino's Breaks, Vol. 4: Mambo CD

Although Afro-Cuban is a common flavor running throughout the Tino's Breaks series, this is the record that embodies the music totally. Tino recorded only traditional Latin rhythms with a trap kit and overdubbed congas, timbales, cowbells, and bongos."Tino's performance soars to new heights . . . he is without question in his prime as a percussionist," says the Havana La Raza.Producer Ben Stokes recorded Tino in Chicago at "Voodoo Spiral", a space now defunct. "Tino really got back to basics, he wants to educate more than anything now." Although intended as an educational / anthropological study of Cuban music, this record appeals to DJs on many levels. It's raw syncopation and steady cowbell makes it optimal for mixing.Check out the crazy scratch tracks that Mike Powell, Jack Dangers contributed rare bits to.

No one puts the "fun" in functional like Tino, the action-figure alter ego of breakbeat mavens Ben Stokes, Jack Dangers, and Mike Powell, who graces the covers of all Tino Corp. albums and gets the credit for the multifarious breaks and beats contained within. Although these albums are primarily intended for use as raw material by DJs, they are also all genuinely fun listening experiences. Unlike most breaks-and-beats collections, they develop themes and proceed more or less logically from track to track, just like real albums! Vol. 4 in the acclaimed Tino's Breaks series focuses on Cuban and Brazilian percussion, with lots of fun vocal samples and some virtuosic conga playing. This is actually a reissue of a seven-track LP originally issued in 2000, with the addition of another seven tracks (including a brilliant remix of "I Like It Mambo," featuring cutting and scratching by the formidable DJ Inesha). Whether you want the content for your own professional uses or simply want to get the hips shaking at your party, Tino is, as always, at your service. Very highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Producers: Ben Stokes, Jack Dangers, Mike Powell.