Ray And His Court - Ray And His Court LP [Mr Bongo]

Format: LP available on vinyl only.
CAT: MRBLP312

Latin funk at its very finest. A heavyweight of the Miami Cuban music scene, Ray Fernandez, assembled his ‘court’ for this sensational triumph of Afro-Cuban funk. Largely a family affair, the album features input from his wife, his two sons and a variety of other talented musicians including Rickey Washington on saxophone, father of acclaimed contemporary jazz master Kamasi Washington. Originally released in 1973 on Manuel J. Mato’s iconic and highly sought-after Sound Triangle Records imprint, Ray & His Court is a shot of Miami heat powered by Cuban fire, taking in salsa, soul, funk, calypso, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.

A kaleidoscopic album that takes influences from disparate genres and scenes, fusing them into Ray Fernandez’s unmistakable style. Side A features a host of traditional Latin workouts such as the addictive, seductive opener “La Señorita Lola” and the vibrant “Lo Sabía”, with its powerful horns and the wonderful, quirky bubbling groove of Ray’s organ. The tantalising “Venimos Acabando” and the跳跃 organ chords of “El Alacrán” are two further passages guaranteed to get any dancefloor moving.

Side B elevates the level even further, incorporating a dose of heavy Miami funk. Highlights include the DJ favourite, “Cookie Crumbs”, with its fiery bassline, psychedelic vocals, and breakbeat drums, and the incredible, memorable, and truly unique instrumental funk workout “Soul Freedom”, which features formidable bass clarinet work courtesy of Gary Gottfried. Also included is a tantalising Cuban funk reworking of Bobby Hebb’s “Sunny”, led by the organ and featuring exquisite female vocals which deliver an irresistible take on this much-loved classic.

Ray And His Court is a brilliant fusion of Afro-Cuban gems and Miami funk heat, created by one of the most influential outfits on the city’s Latin scene. A majestic and magnetic classic where every track is a surefire hit.