Daniel Villarreal’s Lados B is out now on International Anthem.

Panama-born, Chicago-based percussionist Daniel Villarreal’s new album, Lados B, is powered by a mere three players — him, guitarist Jeff Parker and bassist Anna Butterss. But, as proven by tripods and three-legged dogs, given the right character that’s all you need to build something sturdy, durable and lovable.

Parker and Butterss had gotten to understand each others’ approaches during Parker’s weekly Enfield Tennis Academy events in LA’s Highland Park, and Parker contributed to Villarreal’s first record for International Anthem, Panamá 77.

The setting for Lados B: October 15th and 16th, 2020 at Chicali Outpost, the backyard garden behind International Anthem co-founder Scottie McNiece’s LA home. Seven months earlier, the pandemic had wiped worldwide calendars. On these two autumn afternoons, the trio converged for their first in-person sessions since then. Armed with pieces to explore, the three recorded what became Lados B, Villarreal’s second album for the label, a wondrous mix of jazz, Latin funk — notes cite Fania Records as a touchstone — and soul.

We asked Villarreal to recommend five records that he loves. He offered the below gems.

Avelino Muñoz – Estampas Panameñas

“I remember listening to this album with my father, who introduced me to his music. My dad used to play piano and organ music around the house, and this one for sure had a great impact on the sonics for a lot of my inspirations growing up. Super groovy and deep in melodies. I feel that it can be the soundtrack of any movie.”

Santana – Lotus

“This album is so heavy on the psychedelics sounds — I love the live component and how free and raw Santana played with his band. Live in Japan back in 1974 is a full jammer on vinyl and the packaging is so impressive how it folds out and the album art is so fun and colorful. I listen to this sometimes on long car rides.”

Hermanos Gutierrez – El Bueno y El Malo

“Super instrumental chill vibes but so full of soul… everytime that I listen to any of their records I love the reverb and the quality of a duo interaction and how organic the guitars sound. I’m all about the sounds and curations of the songs, and they definitely have a solid style in how to present it visually and sonically.”

Miles Davis – On the Corner

“I have loved this record since day one. If you are familiar with Bitches Brew, these are like more backbeat rhythmic songs in kind of the same spirit. Love the auxiliary percussion, tablas and hand claps in some songs. Love the experimentation and how in-the-pocket and hypnotic they can be. Sometimes I play the song “Black Satin ” in my DJ sets as a breakbeat in between electronic and world music tracks.”

Tabou Combo – Respect

“This album is so groovy — music from Haiti. Full percussion breaks and singing are so big, with huge gang of backing vocalists at times. I remember when I was a little kid they used to play this music on the public buses down in Panamá and everybody was dancing inside the bus. it’s just a nostalgic album for me, because it reminds me of my childhood and when I started getting into playing drums.”