Ray Barretto: Barretto Power (180g) Vinyl LP

This 1970 release finds legendary percussion man Ray Barretto at the height of his powers, and with one his tightest, most kick-ass bands behind him. This LP is bursting with the heady energy of the early '70s NYC salsa movement; a time when the young music was seemingly being innovated with each new release, and the NYC melting pot vibe was pushing Latin musicians to incorporate funk, soul and jazz elements into the mix. While slightly lesser known than his classic Acid LP, Power finds Barretto mixing gritty, straight-ahead small combo salsa workouts like "Oye La Noticia", on which pianist Louie Cruz gets seriously down on the ivories, with the salsa-fied funk fusion and Anglo vocals on tracks like "Right On." The cut's cocky bassline and breaky beat has made this album a beathead favorite, along with the killer Latin jazz of the Willie Bobo influenced (to my ears, at least) "Power." Other standouts include "Y Dicen," and the sample-friendly lament "Se Que Volveras." An essential classic for salsa and Latin heads, and a good LP to test the waters if you're new to the scene.

• in-demand 1970 latin jazz / funk album from NYC-born producer, composer + conga player
• 180g black vinyl pressing
• 50th aniversary edition
• first time on vinyl since 1972
• all-analog remastered sound
• music label: Craft Recordings 2020

reviewed by Language 05/2005