Matasuna Records is delighted to reissue another jewel on vinyl: Ralph Week's song 'Let Me Do My Thing' is probably the most sought after Panamanian soul tune and the rare original 7inch is sold at incredible prices. The song was recorded together with the band 'Los Dinámicos Exciters' in 1971 in Panama.
During our research we were lucky to find Mr. Weeks, who could give us some background information to this song and his music career in general. Ralph Weeks was born 1943 in Panama, which he left at the age of 17 to move to the United States. There he founded the band 'Ralph & Telecasters' at the beginning of the 1960s. After his time in the US Army he started the band again, recorded their first single in 1965 and went touring in the United States during the following years. Among other gigs they also played twice in the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem (NYC) where one of the greatest musicians like Louis Armstron, James Brown, Marvin Gaye etc. performed there. The charismatic singer and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass & keyboard) was invited to a show in Panama in 1970, where he performed with members of the band 'Los Dinámicos Exciters ', which he knew from his youth. In 1971 he came back again and recorded four songs with the band, which were released on the album "Lo Mejor De Los Dinámicos Exciters". Two of the recordings were also released under Ralph's name as a 7inch vinyl single on the Panamanian label "Sally Ruth Records" - among them "Let Me Do My Thing". Then he returned to the States and founded a new band in 1975 with Carlos Brown, a member of the Exciters, which existed for about 25 years. Weeks' life has always been dedicated to music: even today, at the age of 76, he is still a member of an accapella gospel group that sings weekly at the church in his hometown in the state of Connecticut.
On the A-side of the vinyl you can listen to the amazing original version recorded in 1971 - which was remastered for the release. The funky Latintune has all the ingredients that helped him to his status as one of the best Panamanian soul songs: a killer rhythm, a deep grooving bass line, the virtuoso interplay of the trumpet players and the super sweet soul voice of Ralph Weeks. There's nothing more to add, but our favourite producer "Voodoocuts" was able to get something out of the original. On the B-side you'll find his version of the classic: a modified arrangement with a new in and outro, an extended break part and additional beats that will set every dance floor on fire. Don't miss this gem!
Matasuna Records presents another treat with its latest release: an official reissue with two songs of the US funk band "Calender". Both tracks are available on a 12" Maxi-Single for the first time. In addition to the mastered original versions, this EP features great reworks by two of our favorite producers: Mexican disco edit king "Hotmood" and the highly acclaimed Matasuna artist "Voodoocuts".
The opener "Hypertension" is a disco banger par excellence. Kyser's sophisticated arrangements merge thrilling grooves, elegant strings, varied funk elements and soulful vocals to a great and unique joint for every dancefloor. It's very pleasing that the song doesn't get overloaded or cheesy, as it's often the case in disco music. Hotmood transfers the track, which was created more than 3 decades ago, into the present time. His great disco edit focuses on the instrumental parts of the original. Thanks to his clever arrangement, a tension curve is constantly built up without seeming repetitive.
On the flipside, "Ritmo Latino" takes a different musical direction. As the name suggests, there are all kinds of Latin American influences to be heard: the brass section, rhythm parts, piano sounds and the grooving bass line, which goes straight into the veins. Nevertheless, the song is also strongly rooted in funk & jazz and inspires its listeners with its unique character. Voodoocuts rework comes up with a monster broken beat and gives the song a dancefloor friendly structure with its new arrangement. Especially the killer break part in the middle of the song will not only make B-Boy hearts beat faster! Additional instruments, samples and effects give the rework an individual and autark touch and prove once again impressively that Voodoocuts is setting the bar higher and higher with his productions.
Dubben is back! The highly esteemed producer duo make their debut on Matasuna Records with this superb 7inch. The two have been active since 2007 and released great music with their unmistakable style on labels like GAMM, Resense or Dejavue. Their reworks are not only appreciated by brasileiros, but are also popular all over the world.
With "Jesus Boogie" on the A-side, Dubben turns in a new direction and give this Brazilian gem from the 70s a nice boogie touch. The focus of their treatment is the dance floor, so that the usual dub effects are not used here. The result is an extremely danceable number that makes you scream for more!
On the B-side you'll get "Cachaça" - a rework of an obscure 60s bossa number from Poland. The song was re-arranged and got new rhythm parts, which were flavoured with additional sounds and various effects. The extended dub part with psychedelic harmonica and delays blends seamlessly into the track. A great tune in beloved Dubben style!
