One of the near legendary Audi-Book series compiled by Toyo Nakamura, Japan's most respected music journalist who died in 2011. Long out of print, a few copies have recently surfaced. The Audi-book label was active between 1989 and 1997 and was mostly compiled fromToyo's extensive collection of 78s and LPs. A5 size digipack style with book (in Japanese) and CD. Released to coincide with an exhibition at the Musashino Art University Museum and Library called, The Century of Popular Music, Tracing the Dynamism of 20th Century Popular Music Through the Toyo Nakamura Collection. This edition includes rare vintage recordings from Haiti.

One of the near legendary Audi-Book series compiled by Toyo Nakamura, Japan's most respected music journalist who died in 2011. Long out of print, a few copies have recently surfaced. The Audi-book label was active between 1989 and 1997 and was mostly compiled fromToyo's extensive collection of 78s and LPs. This is a digi-pack style CD with notes written by Toyo Nakamuta. Released to coincide with an exhibition at the Musashino Art University Museum and Library called, The Century of Popular Music, Tracing the Dynamism of 20th Century Popular Music Through the Toyo Nakamura Collection. This CD is compiled from rare 78s and LPs of early rumba masterpieces.

Elena Burke (1928-2002) was a Cuban singer, sometimes compared to Omara Portuondo, who, like her, was a member of the vocal quartet Cuarteto D'Aida in the 1950s. She was known for singing boleros and romantic ballads. This album, recorded in Havana in 2001 and 2002, features Elena singing on some songs and other singers on ballads and boleros made famous by her.

19 track compilation from the legendary Cuban tres player and composer. Tracks 1-17 were recorded in Cuba for Victor, tracks 18 and 19 in New York for Verne. Comes with Japanese and Spanish liner notes written by Rene Espi.

One of the great legends of Cuban music, Miguelito Valdes, Senor Babalu, performed for five decades in Cuba and New York. He started off singing professionaly in Panama in the early 30s and in 1937 joined the popular Cuban orchestra, Casino de la Playa. He left Cuba for New York City in 1940, joining the Xavier Cugat band at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. He turned solo in 1942, at the height of popularity, recording for several labels and taking part in at least 12 movies. He went into semi-retirement from 1955 returning in 1963, hosting a television show. He died In 1978 in Bogota, Columbia. This fantastic CD compiled by Toyo Nakamura begins with a recording of Orquesta de la Playa, and features Valdes with Xavier Cugat Orchestra, with Machito y su Afro Cubans and with his own orchestra. 26 tracks.

Recorded in Mexico in the 1950s, rare tracks from the brilliant Cuban guitarist and singer.

Septeto Nacional de Ignacio are one of the most important musical forces in Cuban music history. Founded by bassist and vocalist Ignacio Piniero in 1927, the group have been around ever since in various guises. Along with Arsenio Rodriguez they are regarded as pioneers of Son, a rhythmic blend of African and Cuban music. They were the first Son group to incorporate trumpet as the lead instrument and first gained international recognition following their performance at the World Exposition in Seville in 1928. Piniero died in 1968, following 41 years as the band's leader afterwhich Septeto Nacional De Ignacio Piniero has been directed by a series of new leaders. This fantastic CD follows the early career highlights of the group over 21 tracks.

Tres player and bandleader Arsenio Rodriguez is the father of the modern Afro-Cuban sound. A prolific composer the songs on this album are original versions of Cuban classics, some performed many years later by Buena Vista Social Club, while BVSC's Ruben Gonzalez cut his teeth playing with Arsenio Rodriguez. It is therefore a document of the golden age in Cuban music.

From Haiti, drummer and percussionist Tiroro has taken on almost mystical status as one of the world's greatest ever drummers. Surprisingly a CD of Tiroro has never been available until now. This album is the definitive compilation with liner notes that gather most information ever written about him.

Okay, so it's another Cuban compilation, but rather than concentrating on recent recordings of old songs and styles, this features original recordings by the original greats. Beny More, Machito, Sexteto Habanero, Septeto Nacional, Arsenio Rodriguez, Orquesta Aragon from 1940s and 50s. From an era even before, Floro, Trio Matamoros, Maria Teresa Vera, Eusebio Delfin and others from the 1910s onwards. This CD takes you on a chronological journey of the legends of Cuban music.

Another legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club. Japanese record company gets in touch with musician/director Efrain Rios (of Grupo Raison and Cubanismo) to assemble a group of musicians, to play songs from the Trova and early Son period, and other less well know songs. All the musicians come back from retirement following in the wake of BVSC (according to the liner notes) with the feeling of "we can do all that and do it better", and (not according to the liner notes) the record company with the feeling of "we want a piece of the retro Cuban action too" The record itself is excellent, and the musicians top class. Their version of Ibrahim Ferrer, singer Ignacio Carillo, is particularly enchanting. Comes with English liner notes.

Cuban vocal trio recorded at Egrem studios. Accompanied by bongo, maracas, claves, requinto, guitar, they sing a traditional Cuban song repertoire. Unfortunately the English liner notes are used as self promotion for the Japanese coordinator instead of informing about the music. Still, the music is definitely of high quality, the harmonies and guitar sound particularly sweet.

Young Cuban pianist Fonesca is a touring member with Buena Vista Social Club and appears on Caichato's album. Afro-Cuban with elements of contemporary

Top Cuban band, featuring ex-singer with Orquesta Reve, recorded during a residency in Tokyo.

Another Cuban compilation. Shouldn't find these tracks anywhere else though. Artists include Sierra Maestra, Beny More and Orquesta Aragon.

Outstanding compilation of Puerto Rico jibaro (country) legend Rafael Hernandez with band playing pandereta (tambourine) congas, bongos, cuatro, the double stringed guitar and piano. Flores leads a quartet with some wonderful singing. Recordings date from the 1930s and 40s.

Twenty seven tracks, seventy seven minutes of mainly vintage recordings from Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Trinidad, Curacao, Haiti, Brazil, Peru, Grenada, Panama, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, New Orleans, and Surinam. Well sequenced, wide ranging, fascinating and hugely enjoyable.

Jamaican Mento group (the roots of reggae) on a wonderful, evocative Japanese only release.

Infectious Mento band from Jamaica,not released outside of Jamaica and Japan.

One of Jamaica's best loved mento bands captured live in Tokyo.

From Trinidad & Tobago, steelband plays calypso and carnival music, exactly as you may imagine.

Christmas songs from Trinidad, delightfully mixing African and European elements.