Today we celebrate the birth of a Legend.
Born on 29th April 1929 in Brooklyn New York, Ray Barretto was one of the worlds leading Latin Percussionists.
Beginning his career playing alongside the likes of Tito Puente and Charlie Parker, and featuring on labels including Prestige, Blue Note and United Artists before signing with Fania in 1967 and releasing the incredible groundbreaking Latin Soul album 'Acid' in 1968.
That same year he delivered his second album on Fania 'Hard Hands'. Another powerhouse performance packed with gems from A1 to B4.
And just when you thought he couldn't top this performance, Ray dropped his 3rd Album 'Together' in 1969. With one of our favourite tracks of all time. The Title tune 'Together'
Although Ray had over 5 decades of studio recordings in which you will always find solid gold, we chose the song 'Together' to celebrate his work, as this track has always been close to our hearts.
Everything about this track is 100% on point, from Rays powerful rhythmic congas, to the mesmerising piano fiffs, and from the screaming horns to the pearls of wisdom from Adalberto Santiago.
This song delvers a message of Unity that should be heard across the world and we have been sharing it, since we first found it.
I know a beautiful truth,
And its helped me be free,
I know i'm black,
And I'm white, and I'm red,
Yes, the blood of mankind flows through me,
And so, in every, in every face I see,
I see a part, I see a part of you and me,
Together....
Ray left the world a back catalogue of solid gold wax that wil be discovered, shared, loved and rediscovered for generations to come, and we will continue to be a part of that process.
Peace, Unity and Love