While Ray Barretto would become a forefather of boogaloo in subsequent years, 1967’s lively harbinger Fiesta En El Barrio is a fertile, jubilant document. He ignites a Latin soul power frenzy on the title track—a Spanish Harlem-style block party that’s laden with exuberant piano riffs and joyous percussion. And on the instrumental mambo jam “Hawaii,” the unflinching bandleader is rhythmically dramatic yet melodically restrained. A fiery piece of artistry, “Fuego y Pa’ Lante” illuminates with the beautiful, riveting essence of son cubano.
- Johnny Pacheco
- Bobby Valentín
- Tito Puente
- Cheo Feliciano
- Fania All-Stars