Play Disco Specials

This is a reissue of the 1976 album originally released by the JAS Pride label in South Africa. The set-up here is simple – electric guitar, electric bass, electric piano, drum set, percussion, trumpet and saxophone – but unfortunately the record is shrouded in obscurity as there is no information on the identity of the personnel, bar producer and recording engineer. The team at Mr Bongo have searched far and wide for an original copy of this rare issue, all based on the merit of the record's hit track ‘Disco Stomp’. With two A-side tracks and two B-sides, the album is thoroughly enjoyable and inevitably nostalgic, with jazz-style solos laid over danceable disco-funky backbeats.

The melodies and harmonies are straightforward enough but this doesn’t stop the soloists from improvising skilfully over the form, always keeping faithful to the feelgood rhythmic drive that pervades the entire record. Listen to ‘Barney's Moaning’ for a quick succession of sweet trumpet, alto sax and clean electric guitar solos.