In the 1970’s in Chile, recording anything was complicated. The state-owned IRT label was administered by the military. Domestic releases gave way to an invasion of foreign music. At most, a Chilean group like Santa y su Gente (Santa and his People) could hope for one appearance on television, or a very low-key event—this was the reality of the music world after the coup. Few groups had the good fortune to overcome the prevailing censorship: this was the case with Santa y su Gente (Santa and his People). Santiago Salas was a percussionist stepped in jazz. It was he who assembled a band with musicians of the caliber of Lautaro Rosas and Mario Lecaros. The latter was a powerful musician, who would appear in other jazz fusion projects in those difficult years, and then leave Chile together to do an impressive job abroad with his group Comet. The one and only album by Santa y su Gente, “Urgente,” was released by RCA/IRT/Alba in 1974. This album is very rare, and therefore not well known apart from the collections of a few dj’s. But it contains all you can ask for—a scintillating brew of Latin Afro-jazz fusion, with something powerful to say and beats galore. Highly recommended! Comes with a bi-lingual insert which explores the story of Santa y su Gente in the context of the rich Chilean rock music scene.  Available from Lion Productions.

John Calvin Abney will be touring with the Damn Quails starting January 2, and promoting his new LP – Better Luck (available January 25).  You can catch the first single from the LP now.  Better Luck was recorded in 9 days at Tiny Telephone, San Francisco, California, from April 28 – May 6, 2014.  Watch as additional tour dates are announed at johncalvinabney.com.

As a response to the deluxe presentation of Ritual and because Form Volume II wasn’t supposed to exist, Surachai decided to keep the theme of non-existence with the vinyl and artwork by calling it the Void Presentation. Firstly: there is no artwork. The vinyl is clear and with no center sticker making it an entirely transparent vinyl record. The transparent information card was manufactured by Offbeat Press and the reference I gave them was the winning ticket to Fhloston Paradise from The Fifth Element. The clear jacket is also clear and originally intended for picture discs. If you’re not looking for this album, you’re not going to find it – basically its a marketing nightmare.  Limited to 250 units.

William Elliot Whitmore’s The Early Years box set includes “Hymns for the Hopeless”, “Ashes to Dust”, and “Song of the Blackbird” each on 180 gram vinyl, re-recorded and re-mastered as faithfully as possible for your listening pleasure. The set includes download codes for all 3 albums and a signed post card.  You can purchase it from William Elliot Whitmore’s website now!