Ray Barretto – La Cuna

Description

Artist: Ray Barretto | Label: CTI | Format: LP | Genre: Latin Jazz | Vinyl Condition: Mint | Cover Condition: Sealed

Ray Barretto
La Cuna
CTI 9002-re-issue LP

Ray Barretto disliked his music being labelled Latin Jazz yet the album La Cuna is one of the most memorable of this genre, since it amalgamates the diverse moods of both Americas. In this album, the expertise of the legendary producer Creed Taylor is combined with an all-star ensemble (Tito Puente, Carlie Palmieri, Joe Farrell, John Tropea, & Steve Gadd) and the supreme musicality of the skilful jazz percussionist Barretto to create a tightly-knit performance. The title-giving opening number sails along merrily with a salsa swing, but then the soaring flute melodies and the powerful piano improvisations cool down the Caribbean rhythms. How the players mingle driving patterns with delicate melodies to form beautiful song is demonstrated best in Doloroso and also in Mambotango, whereby the latter exudes controlled coolness in the somewhat electric mood.
John Tropea leans seemingly intentionally towards Santana and his art of guitar-playing, and this is further enhanced by the late Joe Farrells phenomenal performance. A further tribute is paid to one of the greatest musicians ever to combine various styles and trends with a speeded-up version of Stevie Wonders Pastime Paradise.
To conclude: if not Latin Jazz, then definitely Latin AND Jazz.

Contains;
La Cuna
Doloroso
Mambotango
The Old Castle
Pastime Paradise

NEW SEALED re-issue LP (no barcode)