One of those rare, lesser-known Latin funk gems is undoubtedly “Miami” by Dominican-Venezuelan musician “Porfi JimĂ©nez”, originally released in 1971. Sought after by DJs and collectors for years, original copies are now almost impossible to find in decent condition.
The track has been high on “Matasuna Records”‘ wish list for a long time – and after several years of work, it’s finally getting an official reissue. The release also includes a great edit by Philadelphia-based DJ and producer “Retro Roland Riso”, who has already left his mark on previous Matasuna releases.
This heavy Latin funk joint from Venezuela is ready to bring the heat just in time for summer! đ„
The original version of “Miami” impresses with its driving percussion, powerful horns and raw, unpolished sound, delivering pure energy. The fusion of funk grooves and Latin American rhythms creates an infectious vibe that is perfect for the dance floor.
Retro Roland Riso’s edit carefully enhances the track by adding extra beats and percussive elements, giving it more punch and making it even more club-friendly, while staying true to the original feel. It’s a fresh favourite for any bag!
Artist info:
“Porfi JimĂ©nez”, whose real name was “Porfirio JimĂ©nez NĂșñez”, was born in 1928 in Hato Mayor del Rey in the “Dominican Republic”. He began his musical training at the early age of 9. After studying at the Municipal Academy of Music he became a member of an orchestra at the radio station “Voz Dominicana”. Its director “Enrico Cabiatti” introduced him to the art of arranging.
Due to the Trujillo dictatorship, he left the country in 1954 and went to “Venezuela”, where the young musician became famous as a trumpeter and played in the most important groups of the time. The quality of his original arrangements opened the doors of the most famous record companies of the time in Venezuela. Porfi also became one of the most outstanding composers and arrangers of those years, rebuilding Cuban “JosĂ© PagĂ©”‘s Cuban label “Velvet” in Venezuela and working for all the label’s national and international singers.
At the end of the 50’s until the beginning of the 60’s, he worked in orchestras of various TV stations in the Venezuelan capital Caracas. In 1963, JimĂ©nez founded his own orchestra, which became known as one of the most important musical groups in Venezuela throughout Latin America.
In the 70’s, musical transformations resulted from the emergence of new musical styles & rhythms. Porfi Jimenez, as a contemporary artist and passionate jazzman, began to incorporate new musical elements into his songs that distanced him from the prevailing commercial style. This resulted in the album “Parrilla Caliente”, which was released as the band “Phirpo y sus Caribes” and remained the band’s only album. The production, practically unknown, allowed him to experiment and express his artistic creativity, distancing himself from the traditional style of his dance orchestra.
Salsa music and its orchestras lost importance in the 80s and were displaced by new music. However, another Caribbean rhythm filled the gap: the “Merengue”, which triggered an international boom. Porfi also embarked on this path, releasing an album that immediately catapulted him back to fame. It was a period in which he received numerous awards, such as two gold and one platinum disc.
Shortly before his death, on June 9th 2010, Porfi JimĂ©nez managed to realize his lifelong dream: the formation of his jazz big band, with which he performed at numerous festivals in Caracas. With it, he left an important musical legacy, with several original compositions and arrangements of the most prominent names in jazz history. In 2007, Porfi JimĂ©nez was honored by the “United Nations” as one of the most outstanding musicians of the continent.
