Poder del Alma – “Poder del Alma” – [Pharaway Sounds]

Isotope   10/7/2024   12-inch, International

Poder Del Alma is a lost and now recovered gem of Latin soul funk with a fascinating history. The band name (which is also the album title) means “soul power.” The Nicaraguan musicians who made this music were active during the 1960s and 70s in other bands. In 1972 a catastrophic earthquake killed more than 20,000 people in Managua, and about a year later, Santana went there to headline a benefit concert. Poder Del Alma was originally brought together solely to perform at this show, but they ended up staying together for several years after until the chaos of the Sandinista revolution caused the band to fall apart late in the 70s. Their music gives you Latin soul infused with salsa, as well as jazzy and psychedelic sounds. The tracks are instrument-heavy, but most have lyrics in Spanish. You will want to get up and dance as you play these tracks, and play them I hope you will. This album is actually the second Poder Del Alma rerelease, but is not clearly labeled as such on the cover. Original copies of these releases are rare and highly sought after, so the reissue is good news for Latin soul fans.