Ray Barretto: La Cuna Vinyl LP
$19.95
<p><i>This 1981 LP is an odd fit for both the master conguero <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=Ray+Barretto" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Ray Barretto</strong></a> and the slick jazz-funk label <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=CTI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTI</a>,</i> but thanks to the top notch band (<a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=Eddie+Palmieri" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Palmieri</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.turntablelab.com/search?options%5Bprefix%5D=last&q=Tito+Puente" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Puente</strong></a>, etc.) we can leave that for the geeks to worry over and just enjoy the music. The standout here has always been "Pastime Paradise," a Stevie wonder flipped lovely by this gang of masters. After dispensing with a perfunctory vocal intro the band runs the rhythm down like it should be run, suave. The title track is just about the perfect mojito sippin' soundtrack, and while "Doloroso" gets a little too smoothie, the slippery Arp groove of "Mambotango" tickles the ear. "The Old Castle" could creep into a deep disco playlist without too much trouble, and with that cowbell/conga breakdown is a fat duck for a clever editor.</p> <ul> <li>black vinyl pressing</li> <li>original release year: 1981</li> <li>music label: CTI Records 2026</li> </ul> <h6>reviewed by Monk 10/2005</h6>