 Ray Barretto was an American percussionist and bandleader who was at the center of some of the greatest music ever laid to wax. From Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to Judy Collins and the Bee Gees, if you needed a percussionist, Ray Barretto was on your stage or record.
“Indestructible” was recorded and released in 1973 on Fania Records during a time period when Latin, and more specifically “Salsa” music, took on a more important American cultural identity. It is a wonderful track that celebrates Charanga, Afro- Cuban Jazz, and Barretto’s Puerto Rican ancestry. We lost Ray Barretto in 2006, but his prolific work in the New York music scene and influence on Latin Jazz, Boogaloo, and Salsa music should never be forgotten.
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 Not to be confused with the American singers from Memphis Tennessee, this version of The Mad Lads were from Jamaica, featuring George Allison, Ricky Grant, and Delroy Williams on vocals. They recorded several sides for Coxsone Dodd under the Mad Lads, or The Highlights, and this one is maybe my favorite.
“Ten To One” was recorded in 1971, and as was the case with the Studio One recordings from that time period, features The Sound Dimension as the backing band. I adore the musicianship on this record and I still think they are one of my all-time favorite groups.  RIP Elizabeth Alexandra Mary.
But other than tourist dollars, does any country benefit from a monarchy? What of the working class?  Released in August of 1958, “Come On, Let's Go” was the single that took a 17 year old adolescent, the “Little Richard of San Fernando,” from the classroom to the world’s stage.
Featuring famed session musicians Earl Palmer and eventual Wrecking Crew members René Hall and Carol Kaye, “Come On, Let's Go” is a rocking, almost funky track that lures you to the dance floor. Ritchie Valens’ story is a well-known heartbreaking one, but this song, along with his other timeless classics, will forever bring joy to music lovers. |
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