Ray Barretto - Ray Barretto: The King of Percussion (Salsa, Latin, Afro-Cuban) (2026)

The album "The King of Percussion" is a major retrospective of the legendary "Conga King" Ray Barretto, released by Wagram Music in early 2026. The compilation is based on recordings from the artist's most prolific period — the late 1950s and the first half of the 1960s. The release includes his major commercial hit "El Watusi," which was the first Latin track to reach the Billboard Top 20.

The collection showcases Barretto's evolution from classic "Charanga" ensembles, dominated by flutes and violins, to powerful Latin Jazz. Special emphasis is placed on his improvisational skills and his ability to integrate Afro-Cuban rhythms into the structure of the popular music of that era. Covering recordings made for the Riverside and Tico labels, the album serves as a definitive guide to the rhythmic patterns of Pachanga, Guajira, and early Salsa.

Tracklist:
1-1 Ray Barretto - El watusi [2:37]
1-2 Ray Barretto - Guajira y tambo [3:16]
1-3 Ray Barretto - Ritmo sabroso [2:58]
1-4 Ray Barretto - Suelta la cintura [2:41]
1-5 Ray Barretto - La moderna [2:27]
1-6 Ray Barretto - Aprieta el pollo [2:53]
1-7 Ray Barretto - Deuda [3:01]
1-8 Ray Barretto - Jazz Pachanga [2:16]
1-9 Ray Barretto - Teresita [2:47]
1-10 Ray Barretto - La mucura [2:44]
1-11 Ray Barretto - El camino [2:44]
1-12 Ray Barretto - Los pollitos [2:29]
1-13 Ray Barretto - Nuestras vidas [2:26]
1-14 Ray Barretto - Gambler [2:34]
1-15 Ray Barretto - Sing A'man [2:09]
1-16 Ray Barretto - Mysterious Instinct [2:19]
1-17 Ray Barretto - Wide Dark Troubled Waters [3:05]
1-18 Ray Barretto - Papa Zimbi [2:17]
1-19 Ray Barretto - Or Three Farm [2:55]
1-20 Ray Barretto - Sorrow Valley [2:15]
1-21 Ray Barretto - Water Bird [2:57]
1-22 Ray Barretto - Igama La Bantwana [2:41]
1-23 Ray Barretto - Way Yonder Far [2:38]
1-24 Ray Barretto - Gonna Leave You Baby [1:45]
1-25 Ray Barretto - Go Round the Wall [2:04]
1-26 Ray Barretto - Blue Pachanga [2:03]