If you’re the type that digs for old soul and funk records, a near-mint condition copy of Porfi Jiménez’s “Miami” might be the crown jewel of your collection. If you don’t, this reissue by the soul survivalists at Matasuna might inspire you to start one.
Porfi Jiménez was born in the Dominican Republic, became a professional musician as a tween and a well-known band leader as the namesake of “Porfi Jiménez Y Su Orquesta” in Caracas, Venezuela in the 1960s, specializing in salsa and merengue. Released in 1971 on Soublette, “Miami” (backed on the original by “Sacrificio”) is explosive Latin funk, with blasting brass, percussion and a guitar solo dialed up somewhere between Hendrix and Carlos Santana.
The 7″ single of “Miami” exists in less than a few hundred and maybe even fewer than several dozen copies; the live version that leads off the Porfi In Miami album is equally scarce. They’re rarely for sale and quickly snatched up the minute they hit the street.
The new 7″ from Matasuna features the original cut of “Miami” backed with a new edit from Philly DJ Retro Roland Riso, who I would guess is the source for the recording of the original. Making these easy to mix into would mean fucking with the intro to “Miami,” which is one of the best on-your-fucking-feet intros you’ve ever heard. Thankfully, that’s not done here. Riso’s “Power Edit” is quality work, featuring crisper drums and a few nice surprises.
⚪️ Miami Tracklisting
Porfi Jiménez: Miami (Matasuna Records / 7" vinyl only)
1. Porfi Jiménez - Miami (Original) (02:51)
2. Porfi Jiménez - Miami (Retro Roland Riso Power Edit) (03:19)
⚪️ Disclosure Statement
This record was not submitted as a promo.
5 Mag Issue 221
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BACK TO BASICS: First published in 5 Mag Issue #221 featuring Mark Knight, Yuu Udagawa, Gene Tellem and more. Become a member for $2/month and get every issue in your inbox right now…
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