Meduza - Dimé. 1978 USA-New Mexico

Meduza were from Albuquerque, New Mexico and released this one 45, with the same song on both sides. It's a strong example of Santana influenced Latin rock, with perhaps a bit more Hispanic culture thrown in. Excellent guitar and percussion. Complete unknown as I write this. It's been said this might have been recorded in 1978.

2/23/20 (new entry)

Conjunto Cacique - Cacique / You Don't Need to Lose Her. 1974 Dominican Republic

Conjunto Cacique were an obscure group from the Dominican Republic (colloquially known as DR - at least in the States). To the best of my knowledge all that exists from them is this one 45 released in Colombia. The title track is an instrumental groovy Latin rock number with excellent electric keyboards, some fine lead guitar, a funky rhythm section, and additional percussion. 'You Don't Need to Lose Her' is similar, though recorded live and has English vocals. So... the elephant in the room is shall I address 1969 to 1971 era Santana here? Absolutely. Very much in the spirit of bands like Bwana, Antique, and Sapo. I'm a fan of the style, so this goes straight to the win column. Hopefully there's more where this came from and an archival release appears.

2/8/20

Tribal Sinfonia - Do You Want Me / Something Has You Turned Around. 1970 USA-Detroit

Tribal Sinfonia were a band from Detroit, but their sound was a bit removed from the usual heavy funk / soul /acid groups of the locale. Here one picks up hints of Latin rock era Santana, and there's some wonderful fuzz, flute, horns, and harmony. Also I can hear some of New York state's finest - Micah - in these grooves. 

9/8/19