The third outing from the imprint born out of Peter Scot and Natty Bo’s cross-pollination of Jamaican ska (whose influences lay in Cuban music) and traditional Cuban music (via the UK) sees their sound take on yet another form through a host of remixers.

Ajiaco follows a recent trend of world music remix albums, the latest being the rather fantastic Nu-Made from New York’s Balkan Beat Box outfit and once again, Ska Cubano’s own outing shows that remix albums can be treated as albums in their own right. There are some recognisable names putting their scalpel to Ska Cubano’s back catalogue including remixes from Ojos de Brujo’s own DJ Panko, the ubiquitous Brazilian DJ Dolores and UK/Brazilian pioneers Da Lata.

DJ Floro and Alex Acosta’s take on Malanga Ska is a highlight, turning the original into a funky baile funk-samba, dancefloor-filler, killer of a song. While DJ Panko’s remix of Yiri Yiri Bom and Milf’s remix of Ay caramba manage to retain the Ska feel of the originals twisting the songs into their own skewed versions. Javi P3Z takes Cachita to the edge of breakbeat, via reggae before introducing the typical offbeat Ska chords. Russ n Rocc transform Oye Compay Juan into a moving Latin drum ‘n’ bass track, the traditional Cuban lyrics sitting dreamily over a shaking beat. Amir Arab’s remix of Tungarará should be called an aquatic remix, sounding as if the tune has been re-recorded in a submarine in the Caribbean, a watery, down-tempo tropical feel.

Though some remix albums have a tendency to be easily forgotten cash-cows and some indeed taint the originals, Ska Cubano’s music lends itself to the remixers and Ajiacao comes together as a testament to Scot and Bo’s initial ethos. Mixing roots leads to new avenues and new sounds, Istanbul (Not Constantinople) is a fine example of this, originally a 1953 swing classic, itself influenced by Irving Berlin’s work in the 1920s, it was reinterpreted by US rock band They Might be Giants in the 90s and Ska Cubano on their 2006 ¡Ay Caramba! album, in 2008 it is again rolled out and refurbished by Max Pashm.

Ajiaco is a remix album which craves the Cuban sunshine and the Latin dancefloors around the world while also sending the listener in the direction of the originals and perhaps in turn their originals. A testament to progressive world music.

1. Bobine (DJ Lata Remix)
2. Malanga Ska (DJ Floro & Alex Acosta Remix)
3. Yiri Yiri Bon (DJ Panko Remix)
4. Tungarara (Amir Arab Remix)
5. Cumbia En Do Menor (Spiritual South Remix)
6. Ay Caramba (Milf Remix)
7. Istambul (Not Constantinopla)(Max Pashm Remix)
8. Cachita (Javi P3Z Remix)
9. No Me Desesperes (By The Sea Remix)
10. Chango (DJ Floro & Alex Acosta Remix)
11. Oye Compay Juan
12. Coqueteando (Senor Lobo & Pablo Sanchez Remix)
13. Tabu (Stratman Remix)
14. Chango (Dj Dolores Remix)