Initiated five years ago and dedicated solely to issuing Latin and Afro-Cuban jazz, CuBop now has over 30 releases in its catalog. Their sampler, a full hour and twenty minutes, represents items from the past as well as the near future. The spicy contribution from Columbus, Ohio’s Afro-Rican Ensemble made its way to the compilation directly from a demo. At the other end of the spectrum, the Har You Percussion Group was formed by the Harlem Youth Opportunities Unlimited program that was spawned in the mid-1960s. Other leaders and bands represented: Mark Weinstein’s Cuban Roots (revisited) ensemble, Francisco Aguabella, Papo Vázquez, Bobby Matos, Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers, Johnny Blas, John Santos and the Machete Ensemble, and Britain’s Snowboy.

Highlights include: a hot arrangement of "The Last Dynasty" with Papo Vázquez, Willie Williams and Arturo O’Farrill; an exciting vocal feature for percussionist Davide Giovannini, "Tierra Va Tamblar," that includes Paul Jayashinha’s bold and brassy trumpet; a mellow vocal anthem, "The Creator Has A Master Plan," sung in English by Darrell Harris and in Spanish by Bobby Matos; and an even mellower "Philadelphia" by Matos’ 10-piece ensemble from his Footprints album that spotlights Michael Turre’s rip-roaring flute lead and Louis Taylor’s luscious tenor saxophone interlude. Recommended, CuBop’s sampler is a great way to get acquainted with the aforementioned artists and to select your own favorites.