Gilles Peterson launches his brand new reissue label Arc Records, focusing on rare and interesting records from his basement vaults, with the experimental jazz recording Musica Infinita from by Mexican drummer and composer Tino Contreras.

Originally issued back in 1978 on a small independent label, the three-track record is incredibly unique, blending together Mexico’s experimental traditions with psychedelic grooves, cosmic jazz fusion, Latin rhythms, and haunting tones, as if the worlds of Sun Ra Arkestra and David Axelrod collided into one sound. 

After picking up a copy of the original while touring in Japan, many years later through the help of record collector Carlos Icaza, Peterson got the opportunity to meet the now 95 year-old Contreras in Mexico. After meeting, they quickly came to the agreement on reissuing the record.

Following years of playing in Luis Arcaraz’s orchestra and sharing the stage with many jazz greats like Dave Brubeck, Cannonball Adderley and the Duke Ellington Orchestra, this is an essential reissue that helps both shed a light on Contreras, and one of the most innovative Mexican-rooted psych-jazz albums ever recorded. Right from the start, Gilles definitely sets the bar high with this first Arc Records release.

Tino Contreras — ‘Musica Infinita’
(Originally released: 1978 / Centro De La Cultura Pre-Americana, A.C.)
(Reissued: 2020 / Arc Records)

1. Sinfonia Del Quinto Sol
2. El Hombre Cosmico
3. Orbita 13

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Latin
• Reissue