Latin+quarter

Modern Times is the first album by the British band Latin Quarter. It reached the top 20 in Germany and Sweden and spent two weeks on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at Number 91. It includes the songs "Radio Africa" which reached Number 19 in the UK Singles Chart. and "America for Beginners" which was covered by Toyah on her album Minx.

When Latin Quarter disbanded in 1990, they left behind three fine studio albums and a compilation of hits, and odds and ends. Three years later, out of the blue, came this new release by the band, now slimmed down to guitarist/vocalist Steve Skaith, guitarist Richard Wright, and lyricist Mike Jones. Unfortunately, the spark that seemed to ignite the band in the past had left with the former band members. Skaith's melodies aren't as memorable, and the overall mood of the album is darker. It doesn't help that some of the nicer moments on the album resemble their past glories. Jones' lyrics are as biting as ever, and there are some gems to be found here, including "Bitter To The South," "Phil Ochs," and "Desert Rose" (featuring a guest appearance from former member Yona Dunsford).

Johnny Griffin - The Congregation (1957) {Blue Note RVG BN 62640 rel 2006}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 285 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 89 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 18 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1957, 2006 Blue Note / Capitol | 0946 3 62640 2 8
Jazz / Bop / Hard Bop / Saxophone

The great tenor saxophonist Johnny Griffin is heard in top form on this near-classic quartet set. Assisted by pianist Sonny Clark, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Kenny Dennis, Griffin is exuberant on "The Congregation" (which is reminiscent of Horace Silver's "The Preacher"), thoughtful on the ballads, and swinging throughout. It's recommended for bop collectors.