Ray Mantilla

Ray Mantilla is a veteran percussionist, composer, bandleader and arranger who's played with such giants as Art Blakey, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Eartha Kitt, Cedar Walton and countless others. This recording on Savant features a terrific set list of jazz and Latin standards with a few surprises thrown in.

Mantilla is an astute leader, but he's also smart enough to let the players shine and play out. The session is a kind of amalgamation of Mantilla's Puerto Rican roots and the Afro-Caribbean style typified by his stint with Gato Barbieri. There is much to savor here. Put it on and prepare to move and be moved.

PERSONNEL:

• Ray Mantilla - (percussion, leader)
• Ivan Renta - (soprano and tenor saxophone)
• Jorge Castro - (baritone saxophone, flute)
• Guido Gonzalez - (trumpet, flugelhorn)
• Edy Martinez - (piano, Fender Rhodes)
• Mike Freeman - (vibes)
• Cucho Martinez - (bass)
• Diego Lopez - (drums)

New Jersey, January 14, 2017

TRACKS:

• 01. Cedar's Blues
• 02. Comin' Home Baby
• 03. Midnite Jazz Affair
• 04. The Gypsy
• 05. Lane Change
• 06. Exit 45
• 07. Tu No Me Quieres
• 08. Ramona
• 09. Solar
• 10. Third Plane