MAN-TI-YA

Ray Mantilla was one of the true conga giants during the 1950s, 60s and 70s recording hundreds of album sessions and pioneering the use of unique combinations of latin percussion instruments. Among his most famous collaborations were with Charles Mingus, Herbie Mann and Max Roach. In 1977, Mantilla was selected by the great jazz ambassador Dizzy Gillespie to accompany him to Cuba as the first US band to visit the island since the travel embargo of 1962. Their joint concerts with Cuba's indigenous bands made musical and political history. For REBIRTH, Mantilla surrounded himself with his long-time colleagues Edy Martinez, Ivan Renta, Guido Gonzalez, Diego Lopez and others, once again proving that the music he made came from his heart as well as from his lifetime of experience. Ray Mantilla was very insistent on titling this recording REBIRTH. After a long illness the irrepressible Ray Mantilla passed away a few short months after completing the sessions for this CD. The music contained here is a fitting tribute to the man and the musician beloved by so many.

Beginning his career with Latin music greats such as Xavier Cugat and Monguito Conjunto, Ray has played with such wildly diverse personalities as Eartha Kitt, Freddie Hubbard, Larry Coryell, Morgana King, Gato Barbieri, Cedar Walton, Michael Urbaniak, Kenny Burrell, Shirley Scott and countless others. Together with Max Roach, he was a founding member of the popular percussion ensemble M'Boom. Here is a lesson in Latin music from the man who perhaps knows it best, having helped define it's evolution during the course of his remarkable career, Ray Mantilla.

Ray Gallon - Grand Company / Grand Company showcases Ray Gallon, Ron Carter and Lewis Nash's inimitable and distinctive personal and collective sound. - "The inimitable and distinctive personal and collective sound of Ray Gallon, Ron Carter and Lewis Nash has transparency and clarity, where every note and gesture mean something. Ray Gallon's music is informed, passionate, and personal. He possesses a unique rhythmic imagination and a wrought iron vocabulary. Grand Company is a milestone." Bill Charlap

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing housed in a tip-on jacket. Released as part of the Acoustic Sounds Series celebrating 70 years of Contemporary Records, The Poll Winners brings together the talents of Barney Kessel (Guitar), Shelly Manne (Drums), and Ray Brown (Bass). First released in 1957 and recorded by legendary engineer Roy DuNann, this new edition features all-analog mastering from the original analog tapes by Bernie Grundman.