Caldera/Sky Islands

Released in 2013 by David Nathan's soulmusic.com label, this combines the first two Capitol albums from Latin jazz-funk/fusion synthesists Caldera. While the first album (1976) was produced by the Crusaders' Wayne Henderson and the second (1977) was produced by Earth, Wind & Fire's Larry Dunn, the group's sound -- a blend of many inspirations, plus their own touch -- was unique. The first album is highlighted by leader Jorge Strunz's "El Juguete," while Sky Islands boasts two appearances from barely-out-of-her-teens Dianne Reeves, whose showcase on "Ancient Source" is spectacular. A. Scott Galloway provides typically insightful liner notes with plenty of background on these two unjustly overlooked sets. ~ Andy Kellman