Intense Records

Soul Food Taqueria (2LP)

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£24.99 (£29.99 incl. VAT)

Soul Food Taqueriacontinued Tommy Guerrero's blissful guitar soul but represented a step forward with its polished production and greater complexity of instrumentation. Deniedthe promotion it deserved upon release, it flew under the radar. It is now themostwantedrecord of Guerrero's wondrous back catalogue.

This fresh limited edition has been remastered, cut on to heavyweight double vinyl and is presented in a deluxe gatefold jacket.

Its rare that a certain sound is entirely an artists own. Although undeniably a stew of impeccable influences from blues to folk to Latin to dusty funk, soul and hip-hop one cannot hear a Tommy Guerrero song without immediately recognising it as his -and his only.

The cult skater from San Francisco is globally renowned as one of the original members of the legendary "Bones Brigade" team. And as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, his laid-back soul is beloved by all whove basked in its blissful glow.

Theres something elemental about this music that really stirs the soul. Strikingly beautiful and instantly addictive, its a kind of funk-fuelled, melody-driven, groove-based magic. There's a serenity and heart in the playing thatradiates warmth and splendour, as if crafted for endless sunsets.His albums that surfaced on Mo Wax at the turn of the century have been treasured since their release and its two of his most vital LPs that we're honoured to reintroduce.

The originalswere quietly pressed on to a single piece of vinyl so we've worked closely with Tommy this year to bring you these fresh, limited editions. They have been lovingly remastered, cut nice and loud on to heavyweight double vinyl and presented in deluxe gatefold jackets.

Soul Food Taqueriacontinued Guerrero's guitar soul but represented a step forward with its polished production and greater complexity of instrumentation. Deniedthe promotion it deserved upon release, it flew under the radar. It is now themost wanted record of his wondrous back catalogue.

Guerreros atmospheric touch and subtle guitar provide lush, glimmering pieces of musical texture. Within his spacious compositions, uniquely arranged instruments flourish alongside each other to create a languid soundtrack for halcyon days.

As ever, the diversity on display is beguiling. From bossa nova, samba and cumbia rhythms to understated folk, funk and soul grooves, this is another exotic set of mellow gold; perfectly represented by ESPOs memorable artwork. Furthermore, the titles hybridity reflects the intoxicating sweep of stylistic flavours served up, reminding us that, however tricky it is to categorise Guerreros special blend, its always a pleasure to indulge in something so creative and adventurous.

Dubby, bass-heavy instrumentals give way to moody folk-soul witness "It Gets Heavy", featuring melancholic vocals from Gresham Taylor whilst "Thank You MK" is a gentle ode to thetropics, featuring ethereal instrumentation, bright bass and warm, jazzy guitars. The second half in particular contains a number of stunning ambienttracks check "Lost Unfound", "Another Brother Gone" and "Broken Blood" - built around minimalist, laid-back grooves and detailed guitar orchestrations which wouldnt be out of place on the latest Jonny Nash release.

Guerrero closes this flawless set with a moment of true beauty. Restrained and graceful, Falling Awake is a pared back piece containing meditative guitar melodies set against melancholic piano arrangements. It brings proceedings to the most peaceful close. Seductively good, it reminds you just how great simplicity can sound.