DESCRIPTION
Latin funk at its finest. A cornerstone of Miami’s Cuban music scene, Ray Fernandez assembled his “court” for this sensational Afro-Cuban funk triumph, originally released in 1973 on Manuel J. Mato’s collectible Sound Triangle Records.
Largely a family affair, the album features Ray’s wife, two sons, and a talented ensemble including Rickey Washington (father of jazz icon Kamasi Washington) on saxophone. What results is a blistering dose of Miami heat infused with Cuban fire — a kaleidoscopic mix of salsa, soul, funk, calypso, and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
The A-side showcases traditional Latin workouts brimming with groove and character:
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The addictive opener ‘La Señorita Lola’ entices with its rhythm and flair
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‘Lo Sabia’ pulses with bold horns and Ray’s quirky, bubbling organ
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The fiery ‘Venimos Acabando’ and dancefloor-ready ‘El Alacran’ bring swagger and swing in equal measure
On the B-side, the funk takes over.
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DJ favourite ‘Cookie Crumbs’ lands hard with its fiery bassline, breakbeat drums, and trippy voiceovers
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‘Soul Freedom’ is a funk instrumental gem, boasting standout bass clarinet from Gary Gottfried
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A sultry Cuban funk reimagining of Bobby Hebb’s classic ‘Sunny’ adds seduction to soul, led by lush female vocals and warm organ textures
Ray and His Court is an essential blend of Afro-Cuban grooves and Miami funk fire, crafted by one of the most influential groups in South Florida’s Latin music history. Every track is a certified dancefloor winner.
TRACKLIST
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La Señorita Lola
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Lo Sabia
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Venimos Acabando
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El Alacran
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La Pena Pa'Goza
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Cookie Crumbs
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De Eso Nada Monada
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Sunny
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Soul Freedom