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LP
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VAMPI 355LP
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Ghetto Records was Joe Bataan's way to get over on The Man and out of the 'hood, a bold move by an artist looking for independence and creative control in an industry that had exploited his talents and treated him like chattel. Hatched from desperation yet full of hope Ghetto Records came crashing down shortly after its inception. The seven albums in the Ghetto discography languished out of print. From Ear to Ear (1971) by La Fantástica was one of them. Orquesta La Fantástica was led by tenor saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Samuel "Sammy" León, who hailed from Brooklyn. His 11-piece orchestra of local musicians featured a rather unique sound, which combined piano and vibraphone with a brass section of two tenor saxophones and a pair of trumpets. They were signed to Ghetto Records by Bataan's business partner George Febo after being blown away by both the band and the overwhelming reaction of the crowd at the Village Gate. La Fantástica had all original tunes, with modern arrangements and a típico feel. Most importantly, they were fortunate to have vocalist Rafael "Ralphy" De Jesús, aka Chuleta and From Ear To Ear greatly benefited from his contributions. From Ear To Ear is composed exclusively of heavy-hitters, including the beguiling English-language psychedelic soul slow-burner "Latin Blues." "Con Quién Andas," a hot salsa banger beloved by DJs and collectors alike, features killer saxophone and trumpet riffs with an interplay worthy of Puente or Machito. Though "Ya No Te Quiero" and "Telegrama" are breakup songs, they function as swinging dance floor ass-shakers with heavy percussion breaks and crazy horn riffs. The band's origins as an instrumental outfit are further displayed by a couple of vocal-free workouts that close out the album: "M&M," a guaguancó rumba jam session dedicated to the band's discoverer, Maisonave, and "Sassie," a Latin jazz suite that flies through a number of captivating sections with different rhythms, tempos, and arrangements. One aspect of the release that has inspired discussion and conjecture is its psychedelic album art. It was designed by an employee at Sanabria's design studio, Charlie Rosario. They wanted something more-colorful and hip that would grab the public's attention. Rosario's surrealistic illustration, with its disembodied ears, rainbows and multi-colored female head floating amongst the clouds, was perfect. Vampisoul is now reissuing From Ear to Ear thanks to a collaboration with Now-Again Records. The release includes an insert with liner notes.
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