RAY AND HIS COURT - RAY AND HIS COURT [CD]
Cat. no: MRBCD312
Format: CD
Barcode: 5024017006041
Release Date: 25 Oct 2024
Genre: World Music
Latin funk at its finest
A kingpin player of Miami's Cuban music scene, Ray Fernandez, brought together his 'court' for this sensational Afro-Cuban funk triumph. Largely a family affair, the album features his wife, two sons and a range of other talented musicians including Rickey Washington on saxophone, father of the contemporary jazz maestro Kamasi Washington. Originally released in 1973 on Manuel J. Mato 's iconic and collectible Sound Triangle Records, Ray & His Court is a dose of Miami heat fuelled by a Cuban fre, taking in salsa, soul, funk, calypsoand Afro-Cuban rhythms.
A kaleidoscopic album that draws infuence from a range of different genres and scenes blended together in true Ray Fernandez style. Side A, showcases an array of traditional Latin workouts including the addictive enticing opener 'La Senorita Lola' and the pulsating 'Lo Sabia' with its punchy horns and Ray's wonderful, quirky bubbling organ groove. The tantalising 'Venimos Acabando' and bouncing organ stabs of 'El Alacran' are two further tickets to get a dancefoor vibing.
The B-side then steps things up, slipping a hit of heavy-weight Miami funk into the mix. Take the DJ favourite 'Cookie Crumbs' with its fery bassline, tripped-out voiceovers and breakbeat drums. Or the amazing, memorable and truly unique funk instrumental 'Soul Freedom' with some mighty fne bass clarinet work courtesy of Gary Gottfried . Also featured is a seductive organ- led Cuban funk rework of Bobby Hebb's 'Sunny'(are there any bad versions of this song?), with a sumptuous female vocal that combine to serve up a seductive take us this much-loved classic.
Ray And His Court' is a brilliant blend of Afro-Cuban gems and Miami funk heat from an infuential group on Miami's Latin music scene. A majestic and magnetic classic where every track is a surefre winner.
A sensational Afro-Cuban funk triumph from one of the kingpin players of Miami's Cuban music scene.
Originally released in 1973 on Manuel J. Mato's iconic and collectible Sound Triangle Records.
Features a whole range of talented musicians including Rickey Washington on saxophone, father of the contemporary jazz maestro Kamasi Washington.
Black Vinyl LP comes in tip-on sleeve.
CD Tracks: La Senorita Lola / Lo Sabia / Venimos Acabando / El Alacran / La Pena Pa'Goza / Cookie Crumbs / De Eso Nada Monada / Sunny / Soul Freedom
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