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“At the Party” Hector Rivera on Barry Records. When you talk about Latin Soul, this record always comes up as one of the ten best. This was a HUGE hit in New York and almost nowhere else in 1966.
“Bring your records everybody / don’t you be late to the party / don’t you be late, ’cause I can’t wait / ’cause I’m anxious to get started / time’s a wasting, so get moving / we’ll be dancing, dancing and a-grooving…”
“Senor 007” Ray Barretto United Artists (1965) One of our favorite Ray Barretto albums of the 60s — a real gem from the pre-Latin Soul years! The album’s a clear attempt to cash in on the James Bond craze of the time — issued by United Artists, who were releasing the Bond films, but also had Ray under contract during the period too. But despite that simple gimmick, it’s a great little set — with a quality level that goes way beyond Bond soundtracks, or the usual from Barretto at the time! The tracks are all hard and groovy, with an excellent jazz feel — and some killer arranging from Ray that’s right up there with the work he did for his legendary Charanga Moderna album! You may recognize the song titles — but their versions here are superb, and the album’s filled with many many wonderful moments that step out with mad rhythms and great jazzy touches. Titles include “Mister Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”, “OO7”, “Search For Vulcan”, “Thunderball”, and “Goldfinger”. Nice “spy” shot of Ray on the cover, too! — Dusty Groove
Orchestra Harlow “Heavy Smokin'” Larry Harlow, piano and leader with Felo Brito, solo voice; Julian Priester and Marc Weinstein, trombones; Luis Bonilla, conga; Ralph Castrello and Alfredo “Chocolate” Armenteros, trumpets; Monguito, maracas; etc. Musical Director Johnny Pacheco. Fania Records. (1965) Cover photo: Lee Kraft. Art Director: Izzy Sanabria
“Oye El Cuchy Frito Man” Ray Terrace Featuring Vocalists Manny Roman and Willie Torres. Jubilee Records. Swinging Boogaloo from 1965! Arranged by Ray’s Brother Pete Terrace. Tracks include: ABANIQUITO / CUCHY FRITO MAN / SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE / LOCO Y CONTENTO / HI HI HI / EN EL BARRIO / SONANDO / GUAGUANCO PARA LOS POLLOS / GOZANDO MI SON. Cover Photo by Frank Lerner.
“Juicy” Willie Bobo. Verve. Another great one from 1967. Includes the title tune and funky Latin soul/jazz covers of sixties hits including “Music to Watch Girls By,” “Knock On Wood,” “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy”. Bobo played bongo, timbales, conga, and trap-drum and after stints with Machito, Mongo Santamaria, Perez Prado, Tito Puente, George Shearing, Cal Tjader and Herbie Mann helped pioneer the Boogaloo sound.
