Our Time Is Coming
Founders of the "Nuyorican sound," Masters at Work, a.k.a. "Little" Louie Vega and Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez, were the most revolutionary house production team of the '90s, so imitated that their innovations are now clichés.  Latin percussion, joyous vocals, and natural drum beats are MAW trademarks, levitating dance floors with the band's infectious feeling of ecstasy and energy. If ever there was a massive dance floor filler, it was MAW's 1997 record,Nuyorican Soul, and now,Our Time Is Coming. With cameos byPatti Austin,James Ingram, andStephanie Mills, the album doesn't break new ground. It simply proves that MAW still write/remix great songs that are more organic and soulful than any current house offerings. Highlights include the Afrobeat-tinged "MAW Expensive (A Tribute to Fela)," Mills's gospel fire on "Latin Lover," andRoy Ayers's glorious vibes solo on the title track. Taking credit for saving a WTC life in "Michelle's Message" is totally crass, but MAW handle even that with style.--Ken Micallef