Album: Various artists, Tumbélé! Biguine, Afro & Latin Sounds From The French Caribbean 1963-74 (Soundway Records)

Essentially a bunch of sprightly tunes from Caribbean islands such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, Dominica and St Lucia which mix various Cuban and Congolese styles with New Orleans jazz and a hint of Parisian high-society pizzazz.

Racing congas, rolling piano, ecstatic brass and cavernous acoustics combine to conjure a vision of the dance halls this music once came to life in. Brimming with energy and invention, this compilation will compel you to get up and shimmy around the room.