Search - Ray Barretto :: Barretto

Epitomy of 70's salsa music

wagnerite | Boynton Beach, FL USA | 08/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was Ray Barretto's most popular album to date. What is best appreciated from this album is the great care with which the songs were selected to reflect the musicianship while emphasizing the danceable rhythms that we have come to expect from typical salsa albums. However, this album is far from "typical."



"Guarare" is one of those songs that can be played in many different ways. It is treated in a very conventional way here, but it serves to introduce the listener to what is to come. "Ban Ban Quere" is just great music through and through. And we have some other fantastic tunes such as "Testigo Fui" (my personal favorite from this album) and, as is the case with Ray's many albums, charanga, etc.



Then we come to "Canto Abacua." This is a Ruben Blades composition, but the intro is very original. You will not hear anything like it. The electric piano sound gives it the definite 70's sound, but the driving rhythm makes this song immortal.



There is a lot of great music, and you will not be disappointed in getting this album.



BTW, I recommend you get some other of Ray Barretto's early 70's salsa albums if you want to fully embrace the breadth of great salsa music handled by one of the premier musicians of his age. In particular, check out:



1. Indestructible---see my review.



2. The Message---One of the best salsa albums ever, and somewhat unknown and underrated. A great discovery, if you can get your hands on it.



3. Que Viva La Musica---Another of those "best" albums, and has some of his most popular tunes, done in the Barretto style.



4. Together---Has some of Ray's best conga playing songs, namely: "No Olvido a Caracas." Noone can come near him on his playing here, definitely in his prime. Other songs in this album became staples of his in his concerts.



Dance, listen, and enjoy. Ray Barretto was one of the real powerhouses of 70's salsa music, and much of this work is nothing short of greatness."

What are you waiting for?? Get it, man!!

e.s. ortiz-gonzalez | Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico United States | 12/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just a few words about this CD. First, this CD stands undoubtedly as one of the few outstanding recordings among the excellent salsa recordings of the seventies. Better yet, this CD is a landmark in salsa music. Second, once you start listening to this CD you will ask yourself what ever happened to today's salsa music. Third, this CD is so perfect that it is scary, man. Fourth, if you're into experimenting with salsa music, this is it: here's your starting point. Fifth, if you have heard Barreto before, and specially this recording, what are you waiting for? Get it man! Sixth, check this out. And Seventh, Enjoy."

Ray's 1975 bestseller with Ruben Blades on vocals.

Justo Roteta | Los Angeles, California United States | 04/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This 1975-released classic album features the timeless Salsa masterpieces "Ban Ban Quere", "Vale Mas Un Guaguanco" and "Yo Vine Pa'Echar Candela". A then-unknown Ruben Blades shared lead vocals with Tito Cruz on this highlight of mid-1970s Salsa which (while not as good as Barretto's Adalberto Santiago-fronted albums)to this day remains one of Ray Barretto's most popular works."