Wonderful early work from Ray Barretto – proof that he was one heck of a hip cat, even at the start! The album's got an approach to Latin jazz that's certainly informed by the charanga sound of the New York scene in the early 60s – but one that's also opened up a bit more to new ideas – bits of bossa nova, heavy percussion, and some odd instrumental twists that really make the album sparkle! There's some haunting violin work on one track, a bit of odd organ on another, and a very playful mix of flute, piano, and percussion throughout. The great Jose Combo Silva plays tenor on the date – and other players include Jose Canoura on flute, Alfredito Valdez on piano, and El Negro Vivar on trumpet. Ray's on congas, bongos, and timbales – and titles include "Sugar's Delight", "Carnaval", "Descarga La Moderna", and "Summertime". 7-inch, Vinyl record