Para Bailar

Para Bailar was Ray Barretto’s debut album as a leader. For nearly 40 years, conguero and bandleader Ray Barretto was one of the leading forces in Latin jazz. His hard, compelling playing style graced the recordings of saxophonists Gene Ammons, Lou Donaldson, and Sonny Stitt, pianist Red Garland, and guitarists Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell.

He is credited for being the first U.S.A.-born percussionist to integrate the African-based conga drum into jazz. This fact has designated him as one of the early “crossover” artists in jazz, skillfully balancing his Latin leanings and his love for bebop throughout a long and successful career.