TOP TEN Recent Latin Albums produced in the UK

Latin music is not an easy thing to produce, let alone promote, in the UK; you need real instruments, great musicians and arrangements to make it sound good, and there is rarely any money to work on. Despite the lack of exposure and support, these bands have moved mountains to release quality Latin music through pure passion and dedication. We take our hats off to the best Latin Albums produced in the UK in the last decade

by DJ Jose Luis

DA LATA - Fabiola (Agogo Records 2013)

Da Lata have always been a shining example of how to fuse Brazilian grooves with Afro and House/Dance music. After a very long break, 10 years to be precise, this London band returns to form with a long overdue and beautifully crafted album, boasting an array of international guests to give it extra pizzazz. Probably their best album so far. Glad to see them back! www.dalatamusic.com

WARA - Leave to Remain (Movimientos Records 2013)

Latin meets Hip Hop, Dub, Reggae and much more, this is the band that’s hot right now. Led by charismatic pianista and musical director Eliane Correa, Wara has been getting better and better and their first full release is a proof of that. Also check out their cool new video for Leave to Remain on Youtube. https://www.facebook.com/waramusic

Rene Alvarez and his Cuban Combination - Abriendo Los Caminos
The most accomplished album by the singer and band leader to date and probably one of the best Cuban salsa albums made in Europe in the last few years. A solid production all the way, mixing Rene’s suave approach to arrangements with what you would expect from a top Cuban band: great delivery, x

LOS CHARLY'S ORCHESTRA - Rediscovering The Big Apple (Imagenes Recordings)

A fantastic Salsa album by London Latin Funk band. A tribute to the New York sound that from the 60’s and 70’s that shaped Latin American music forever. Rather than a cover versions project, this is a rather well executed tribute with new arrangements and superb recording quality. www.loscharlysmusic.com

FAMILY ATLANTICA - Family Atlantica (Soundway Records 2013)

The darlings of the World Music scene in the last decade, the Family Atlantica debut album is a mash up of African, Venezuelan, Cuban and Colombian folk, salsa, jazz and more. The beautiful voice of Venezuelan Luzmira Zerpa resonates. Put together in a period of fours years, it shows the eclectic musical influences of the band and why London is such a great place for musical creation. www.familyatlantica.com

LOS CHINCHES - Fongo (Movimientos 2013)

Los Chinches are London’s leading exponents of the Cumbia craze that is sweeping the planet of cool Latin hipsters global. They let their music do the talking with their new album. www.facebook.com/LosChinchesMusic

CARLOS PENA Y SU SALSA SWING Mi Musica (Latinthing Records 2012)

Carlos is a true veteran of the Salsa scene and without a doubt one of the best Salsa singers in Europe. Born in Venezuela, he has played and shared stage with the who-is-who of the Salsa world. His first release as a bandleader is a serious Salsa album for the dance floor! carlospenasalsaswing.blogspot.co.uk

CONJUNTO SABROSO Ya Tengo lo que Quería (CS 2013)

Conjunto Sabroso is probably the UK’s best known Salsa band. Led by Venezuelan Percussionist Wilmer Sifontes and his wife Luz Elena Caicedo, they have been the "da facto” band, supporting the many international Salsa acts that have visited the UK over the years. This, their debut album, firmly places them as London most dynamic Latin outfit. www.conjuntosabroso.co.uk

STREET SOULS - Smash & Grab Vol 2 (2013)

London’s most prolific Latin Hip hop crew, Street Souls keep delivering mixtape after mixtape, video after video without signs of slowing down. Smash and Grab Vol 2 sees MCs Mike Kallejero, La Guerrera and Dogman get serious behind the mic, featuring a series of top guests. Get it!! www.facebook.com/streetsoulsuk