Virgilio Armas Y Su Grupo

We Are Busy Bodies announces the reissue of the rare and sought-after 1973 Venezuelan jazz album Espejismo ('Mirage') by Virgilio Armas Y Su Grupo, offering a fascinating snapshot of the thriving music scene in early 1970's Caracas, until now largely undocumented because of the musical dominance of Venezuela’s far larger southern neighbour, Brazil. Pianist and bandleader Virgilio Armas skilfully combined Latin Jazz, post-bossa swing (Balanço), with home-grown variants of Son Cubano, Montuno, Merengue and Estilo, honed over years of playing in clubs in the Altamira and La Castellana districts of the capital.

Venezuela was one of the most affluent countries in Latin America during the 60's and 70's, largely due to oil revenues, and this period also saw a boom of record labels and pressing plants. The home-grown Latin musical progression showcased on Espejismo is especially apparent when compared with the preceding album, from 1970, which will also be reissued simultaneously: De Repente ('Suddenly') by Virgilio Armas Trio. Much rarer and released on a tiny, one-off label, this release is much closer to the Bossa Duro (Hard Bossa) or Balanço sound of contemporary Brazilian Trio outfits at the turn of the decade, and is every bit as compelling and musically accomplished.