Search - Ray Barretto :: Very Best of

I remember Barretto (The Acid Conga) player!

Oswald Placeres | Netherlands | 03/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I personally do not consider this CD his best. He has other albums with better music. Barretto ranks as one of my favorite conga players. On this CD he does not have many conga solos but, the songs are very good. He was one of the first New York Ricans to interpret the Afro-Cuban music in New York, with the hit "El Watusi". To me my favorite albums from him are "Que Viva La Musica" and "Acid/Head Sounds". I still remember him doing a conga duel with Mongo at the Yankee Stadium during the Fania All Stars concert, it was difficult for the crowd to take sides between him and Mongo, these guys really put up a great show that night. The concert had to be cancelled do to an uncontrolled fight between the fans. I also remember him when he came to Miami (1977) to play with Fania All Stars at The Miami Beach Convention Center. The place was packed, and all the Miami Beach residents (Elderly Jews) were amazed at the enormous young Latin crowd. I had a good time seen all my favorite Latin celebrities on stage for the first time. It was a sad day for me when I was informed by my Puerto Rican friends of his recent death. Another good conguero leaves us. +Ray Barretto+ R.I.P"

Good Conga Sound

M. Damas | 08/14/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love the album, although I wished he would have played more salsa songs. The compilation of songs is mainly cuban son and mambo. I enjoyed, but I would have enjoyed more just plain pure Salsa."