Ray Barretto Essentials

Ray Barretto Essentials

Master conga player, composer, producer and GRAMMY® winner Ray Barretto has been a leading figure in the evolution of New York's Latin jazz scene since the ‘50s. His status as a sought-after session percussionist opened the door to memorable collaborations with legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente. His solo career took flight in 1962 with the explosive pachanga dance hit “El Watusi”. After joining the celebrated Fania Records, Barretto led the Fania All-Stars through fascinating hybrids of jazz, R&B and soul, providing the musical backbone with his unique Afro-Cuban claves.

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