For Ear Sake

Ray Barretto - Barretto Power (1972)

Genres: Boogaloo, Latin Soul, Salsa

"It was the early 70’s, Jerry Masucci (the former police officer turned lawyer) and his newly formed Fania Records was establishing itself as a power in the Latino music industry. Recordings by Johnny Pacheco (who became the labels vice president), Larry Harlow, Willie Colon and Ray Barretto were giving the label a visible identity of hip-ness. They were all characterized by a sound based on the best traditions of Afro-Cuban music but with an “in-your-face” contemporary NYC attitude. Although Ray’s previous recordings on Fania (Acid, Hard Hands, Together) all had a common thread of excellence, it was still a band that was evolving." - Bobby Sanabria via Fania Records

Barretto Power is a solid release by Ray Barretto, and it doesn't take knowing Spanish to realize it. Barretto comes from a time when New York City was the center for Latin music within the United States, and he (along with other artists) helped turn Latino musicians from add-ons for various Jazz bands to musicians to be reckoned with. Furthermore, it doesn't take being a Latino to know how influential Barretto's music was and still is today. The influence of Barretto's music soared across genres. His work was noticed by everyone from Charlie Parker to the Rolling Stones (whom he's worked with). The title of this album is a good description of Ray Barretto's discography as a whole, because he undoubtedly was powerful through sound.

The soulful songs "Right On" and "Power" are personal favorites from the album. Ray Barretto's shifting ability from Latin Soul to Salsa seems to be effortless. Regardless of the language barrier between Spanish and English, I found the Salsa numbers to be enjoyable as well. My love for Latin music stems from years of being around Latinos and their culture. Albums like Barretto Power remind me of dancing Salsa all night at countless birthday bashes, the great food I ate, Christmas and Thanksgiving parties, sitting in traffic on the way to Seaside Heights (a beach located in New Jersey), and other great memories I have with my Dominican friends and family.

Barretto Power is a feel-good album, and I recommend it to everyone. Despite the difference in language (if you're not familiar with the Spanish language), the electrifying vibes the album gives off is universally understood. Vinyl copies are available for purchase through Discogs (click here), and for the compact disc lovers, CD Universe has copies available for purchase (click here). Lastly, I've included two sample songs below. Enjoy!

Ray Barretto - Right On

Ray Barretto - Power