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The album is undoubtedly a throw back. The same instruments, the same voice and the same kind of material as Joe was putting out in the early 70s. Even the length of the release (you know how albums used to fit on two sides of vinyl?), says old school. It's perhaps less surprising when you see that it has been released on Vampisoul, a label out of Madrid that has made a name for itself re-releasing soul and funk rarities including two of Joe's old albums.

This is their first new recording. Vampisoul is part of another company that specialises in death metal and other styles not normally associated with vintage soul but this music is one of the passions of the founder and for that we should be grateful.

If you don't know much about Joe, here is a catch-up. Afrofilipino Joe is a street fighter from East Harlem and is in out of prison a couple of times in his youth. On one of his stays he learns the basics of music and with his dulce voice gets himself a deal on Fania after coming out and forming a group. Street, soul and barrio meet and Latin Soul is born. He has a number of hits including classics like 'Ordinary Guy'. He later goes on to co-found Salsoul. His success dies away and I heard that now he works as a counsellor for juveniles for New York State's Department of Justice.

Now according to many, 20 years ago he stops putting out albums but others claim a few albums were put out in the late 90s when Joe would get a band together and take it on tour. Anyway those albums, which could well be fictional, are not easy to obtain, so if Joe's your thing, you are going to love Call My Name.

The track that will get most attention will be 'Chick-a-Boom', a good time boogaloo with swirling Hammond organ and a catchy chorus that has already had success in clubs around the world. Like all his best work, this lyric pits the underdog against the wealthy in this case a bank robbery has been set to music. Dog Day Afternoon as a boogaloo!

I'm a big fan of 'Ernestine', a dolorous ballad of missing love and the opening track 'Call My Name' too. In fact, in many ways, this album is better than some of his original albums as there is less filler. Chevere!

Vampi 065 LP Thick Vinyl / Digipack CD
www.vampisoul.com
Label Founder, Iñigo
Joe Bataan on Allmusic.com