Willie Bobo And The Bo-Gents
Do What You Want To Do...
Written-By – Reginald Andrew 3:21
A2 Shut Up And Pay Attention
Written-By – Ronald Starr 3:30
A3 Dindi
Written-By – Oliviera, Jobin, Gilbert 6:04
A4 Come Together
Written-By – Lennon/McCartney 5:19
A5 Soul Foo Yong
Written-By – Steve Huffsteter 4:46
B1 Broasted Or Fried
Written-By – Reginald Andrew 4:58
B2 The Thrill Is Gone
Written-By – Benson, Pettite 5:50
B3 How Can I Say Goodbye?
Written-By – David O'Rourk 3:14
B4 Never You Mind
Written-By – Reginald Andrew 5:59
Label: Sussex – SXBS 7003
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Jazz, Fun, Soul
Style: Jazz-Funk, Soul, Funk
Released in 1971 on Sussex Records, Do What You Want To Do... is widely considered the most sought-after album by Latin percussionist Willie Bobo. Moving away from his traditional pop-inflected Latin rhythms, this record is celebrated as a "killer" fusion of hard-edged '70s funk and deep Latin grooves.
The album is noted for its "slamming" instrumental tracks that blend Jazz, Latin, Funk, and Soul. Critics describe it as one of the few "perfect fusions" of these styles, maintaining high energy throughout the set.
It has achieved legendary "rare-groove" status among DJs and collectors, often fetching high prices in original pressings.
Willie Bobo provides steady congas and timbales, while the Bo-Gents deliver a heavy, rhythmic backbone.
Key Tracks:
"Broasted or Fried": A standout "break cut" frequently cited as a superbly funky highlight.
"Soul Foo Yong": Noted for its slight psychedelic inflection and infectious groove.
"Dindi": A standard that Bobo recorded frequently, featured here as a ballad sung in English.
"Do What You Want To Do": The title track is a primary draw for its hard-funk instrumentation.
The album maintains a high average rating of 4.3 to 4.4 out of 5 across user-review platforms like Discogs.
Originally released on the Sussex label, it has been reissued by Vampi Soul (2006) and Octave Lab (2022/2023), making it accessible on CD and vinyl for modern listeners.