Cat No: CCD521
Format: CD

Nineteen, hot, classic salsa tracks by theNew York-born, Puerto Rican conga maestro and his band.  These cuts are taken from his mid-60'salbums including "El Ray Criollo", "Fiesta En El Barrio", "Viva Watusi" and"Latino Con Soul".  Barretto had got hisfirst big break in the late 50's when he replaced Mongo Santamaria in TitoPuente's band for 4 years.

By the time of these recordings, he wasrunning his own successful band, having had a high chart hit with "El Watusi"in 1962 on the back of the popular dance craze.  He was also in great demand as a session man during these yearson albums by Gene Ammons, Cannonball Adderley, Kenny Burrell, Lou Donaldson,Red Garland, Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Cal Tjader, etc.In 1967, he joined the Fania label, later becoming musical director of TheFania All-Stars. At 75, he is still active on the recording and performingscenes.