Alzo & Udine - C’mon & Join Us!

Latin Funky Folk grooves… and grooves

You might just recognise the opener off this highly obscure Mercury LP from 1968. Something Going is featured on The Trip: Created By St Etienne mix album, where it fits perfectly in an alternative, easy-funky-folky vision of the 60s. Alzo & Udine were Noo Yawk singer-songwriter Alzo Fronte and his percussionist-vocalist neighbour, Uzine Alinoor. They were highly specialised in a Latin conga-powered beat, with twin vocals clicking effortlessly into falsetto. There’s no denying the summery throw-open-your-windows charm of the duo, beautifully backed by minimal bass-guitar-drums-piano tinkling, and the tracks slide by as easily as a pair of denim hotpants in Central Park. Hey Hey Hey, She’s OK… De Rain… I Can’t Believe It. The only problem is that the shuffly Latin summer groove gets a weeny bit samey after a while, and when the boys do drop out of it, it isn’t always to good effect, mixing in one nasty bit of country picking and a misjudged “thank you” speech. The slower, harpsichord-led Want Your Love is a must, with a lyrical high in the post-affair spring clean, This Room.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Rev-Ola | CD REV 218

Reviewed by Derek Hammond
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