Ray & His Court - Ray & His Court - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Latin funk at it's 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 fire, taking in salsa, soul, funk, calypso and Afro-Cuban rhythms.A kaleidoscopic album that draws influence 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 Señorita Lola' and the pulsating 'Lo Sabia' with it's 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 dancefloor 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 it's fiery bassline, tripped-out voiceovers and breakbeat drums. Or the amazing, memorable and truly unique funk instrumental 'Soul Freedom' with some mighty fine 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 influential group on Miami's Latin music scene. A majestic and magnetic classic where every track is a surefire winner.

Bad Manners - All The Best Live [VINYL LP] date 10/04/2024

The King of Miami's Cuban music scene, the late Ray Fernandez, is featured here fronting his enormously talented family band which included his wife and two sons. Ray & His Court proved to be a highly influential group on Miami's Latin music scene of the late seventies - the group was highly versatile and easily shifted from Salsa to Cuban funk and even Reggae. Salsa y Estilo features Ray's original compositions as well as works by Roberto Cantoral, Ary Barosso and the famous Cuban poet and songwriter Enildo Padron. All selections newly remastered.