One of the first albums ever from
Ricardo Ray – a really sharp-edged set that's quite different than any of his later work with Bobby Cruz! The groove here is a mix of Latin jazz and boogaloo modes – a really strong sound that draws heavily on
Ray's bold piano lines, and which also features tight trumpet work from Doc Cheatham and Pedro Rafael Chapparo – both of whom get some good space to solo on the record! There's a bit of vocals – from Chivirico Davila and a young Bobby Cruz, who's not yet
Ray's official musical partner – but the instrumentalists really direct the course of action here, and make the set a standout swinger from the 60s. Titles include "Azucare Y Bongo", "Lookie, Lookie", "Danzon Boogaloo", "Suite Noro Morales", "Guaguanco in Jazz", and a Latinized take on "Swedish Schnapps".
(Original stereo pressing! Cover has some light wear and a cutout hole – vinyl is great.)