Album - Release Date: 28/03/25 - Black Vinyl Genre: Latin/South American 1972, originally released on Manuel J Mato's collectible Sound Triangle Records imprint. It's a heavy hit of Miami Latin-funk, dosed up with psychedelic garage rock and gritty soul excellence, making for an intoxicating blend of styles and genres on this highly sought-after LP. Predominately sung in English, Coke's only album under this moniker is a sumptuous melting pot of influences, tied together with bright funk drumming, favourful organs and zesty horns. With a garage band attitude and sensibility, the lineup consisted of Paul Garcia on guitar, Ariel Hernandez on bass, Ruben Perez on drums, Jose Rubio on the keys, a host of guest horn players and Peter Fernandez on vocals, whose tone and delivery was often mistaken for that of a woman. Produced by Mato, the record and band were well-received in Miami and Southern Florida at the time. Due to a lack of promotion outside of Florida and the threat of a lawsuit from the Coca- Cola corporation for usage of their name, the band fell into relative obscurity, becoming Opus following the dispute. They say the cream always rises to the top though, with Coke being rediscovered by diggers and collectors searching for a rare groove. One of the standout cuts on the album 'Na Na' was recently featured on the soundtrack to the Netflix drama 'Griselda' (a biopic of Miami/ Cuban crime boss Griselda Blanco). Other highlights include the crooner- jazz-rock 'Got to Touch Your Face', the psych ballad 'You Turn Me On' with a guitar line reminiscent of The Doors, and the Latin-rock groover, 'Te Amo Mas'. Coke is a sensational crossover record, that draws from a sea of different influences. Fans of early Santana, garage-pysch, Nu Yorican and Latin-funk productions should all investigate this cherished album - it will have something for you.
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