The period between 1969 and 1972 saw the release of some of the most influential albums in contemporary music.

The walls between rock, jazz, and soul were seemingly very flexible and were often treated as recommendations rather than rules.

It was also a very fertile and creative period during which Latin musicians also made a profound impact on mainstream American culture.

So this week, we're going to hop into the way back

machine and set the dial for 50 years ago to tell the story of three

1971 releases that not only reflected their times but also contributed to the sound

of that era. From NPR music, this is Alt Latino. I'm Felix Contreras. And this week, we're

going to take a closer listen to the album's Revolution by El Chicano, All Day Music by War,

and Santana 3 by Santana. Altogether, they tell a story of political awakenings, self-determination,

and musical cross-pollinations.

And to get us started, let's listen to an early version of what we now call an Afro-Latino hybrid. This is the track Nappy Head from the band War. Joining me this week to help explain the stories of these three albums is Jesse Chui Varela, a long-time jazz and Latin music journalist, current DJ at NPR member station KCSM in San Mateo, and a longtime friend of mine.

Chui, welcome to Alt Latino Bro.

It's an honor, Felix, to be here with you.

You are somebody that has been a contemporary.

We both grew up, you know, here in Northern California and have seen many very positive

and enlightening changes.

And I'm glad that you are there, you know, producing this great show for the Hente, bro.

Thanks so much, man. Okay, set the scene for us.

1971. What was happening in Chicano communities around the Southwest back then?

Well, 1971, I was a sophomore in high school. And I remember it was music to party and have fun with.

You know, this for us, you know, in the Bay Area, you know, the whole hippie revolution

had already hit in the late 60s, you know.

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