Tom Caruana - Salsa Verde

British producer Tom Caruana delivers another masterclass in sample-based hip-hop archaeology with "Salsa Verde," a vibrant exploration of Latin music's influence on contemporary beat-making. Known for his meticulous approach to digging and flipping obscure records, Caruana turns his attention to the rich catalog of salsa, boogaloo, and Latin funk, creating something that honors the source material while pushing it into new territory.

The album showcases Caruana's signature style - taking forgotten gems from the vaults and reconstructing them through a distinctly modern lens. His beats retain the organic swing and instrumental interplay of the original recordings while adding crisp drums and subtle electronic flourishes. The result feels both timeless and contemporary, bridging decades of musical evolution with seamless craftsmanship.

Each track demonstrates Caruana's deep musical knowledge and respect for his sources. Rather than simply looping obvious breaks, he finds unexpected moments - a horn stab here, a percussion fill there - and builds entirely new compositions around them. The Latin influence brings warmth and movement to his typically dusty aesthetic, creating some of his most danceable work to date.

"Salsa Verde" works equally well as background listening and focused study of sampling technique. It's essential for beat heads, diggers, and anyone interested in how traditional Latin music continues to influence contemporary hip-hop production.