• 180-GRAM VIRGIN VINYL
• THE COMPLETE ALBUM + 1 BONUS TRACK
• LIMITED EDITION OF 500 COPIES

This release presents the complete original LP Barretto para bailar, which was Ray Barretto’s debut album as a leader. For nearly 40 years, conguero and bandleader Ray Barretto was one of the leading forces in Latin jazz. His hard, compelling playing style graced the recordings of saxophonists Gene Ammons, Lou Donaldson, and Sonny Stitt, pianist Red Garland, and guitarists Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell.

He is credited for being the first U.S.A.-born percussionist to integrate the African-based conga drum into jazz. This fact has designated him as one of the early “crossover” artists in jazz, skilfully balancing his Latin leanings and his love for bebop throughout a long and successful career.

PERSONNEL:

RAY BARRETTO - (congas)
Plus:

Alejandro “El Negro” Vivar (tp), Frank Mercado (ts), José Canoura (fl),
Mike Stancerone (vln),  Alfredito Valdez Jr. (p), Ricky Jackson (b),
Ray Mantilla (timbales),  Willie Rodríguez, Rudy Calzado (percussion).

New York, June 1 & 2, 1961.

(*) BONUS TRACK (B6):
Tito Puente (leader and timbales), Ray Barretto (congas), Vincent Frisaura, Patrick Iarruso, Gene Rapetti, Wilson Brignoni (tp), Peter Fanelli, Allen Lehrfeld, Rafael Palau, Scheppe Pullman (reeds), John Pacheco (fl), Gilbert López (p), Robert Rodríquez (b), Louis Pérez (bongos), Santos Colón (güira).

New York, December 1959.

TRACKS:

A1 PACHANGA ORIENTAL
A2 BARRETTO EN LA TUMBADORA
A3 CUMBAMBA
A4 EL PASO
A5 LINDA MULATA

B1 OYE HECK
B2 LOS CUEROS
B3 PACHANGA SUAVECITO
B4 PONTE DURA
B5 PACHANGA PARA BAILAR
B6 EL BAJO (*)