This great conguero and salsa bandleader considered himself a jazz player above all. Barretto's subtle and energetic beats immaculately evoke Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers through "Close Your Eyes," and Barretto leads his swinging New World Spirit ensemble through an Afro-Cubanized "Johnny Come Lately." For finesse at the slow-groove level, don't miss "Trav'lin' Light," one of Barretto's final recordings.