Ray Mantilla was born June 22, 1934 in the rhythm rich, dance-crazed atmosphere of the South Bronx in New York City where Afro-Cuban rhythmic forms transmogrified with jazz harmonies and sensibilities in the streets, the homes and dance halls.
By 21, Mantilla was on the bandstand playing conga drums along with contemporaries Eddie Palmieri and Ray Barretto, playing that unique Neo-Nuyorican synthesis known as 'salsa'.With flutist Herbie Mann, Ray Mantilla entered the international spotlight in 1960. Then, Max Roach invited him to be part of the classic "Freedom Now Suite" recording.
After a stint in Puerto Rico where he honed his skills on the trap set, Ray returned to the States to find himself touring nationally and in Europe and Japan with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. For the seven years Ray was with Blakey, he occupied his off-hours doing studio work while recording and performing with almost every major figure in jazz including singers Eartha Kitt and Josephine Baker.
In 1977, Ray Mantilla became the first North American Latin musician to play in Cuba since the Cuban Revolution when he appeared there as an essential member of the historic goodwill ensemble led by Dizzy Gillespie.
Ray Mantilla's career has included membership in many legendary Jazz and Latin Jazz ensembles. A short list of Mantilla's credits includes, Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Ray Barretto, Gato Barbieri, Sonny Stitt, Bobby Watson, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente, Cedar Walton, and Freddie Hubbard. Prolific in the studio, Mantilla can be heard on more than 200 albums.
He has appeared in all major clubs in New York City -- the Apollo Theater, Palladium, Blue Note, SOB's, Birdland, Fat Tuesday's, Village Gate and the Village Vanguard in addition to many major international jazz festivals such as Sanremo, the Pori Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival and the Grande Parade du Jazz.
In 2003 Ray Mantilla signed with Savant Records and his first record for the label, “Man-Ti-Ya” was released . His latest recording, “Good Vibrations” adds the unique sound of Mike Freeman’s vibes to his ensemble.
Click to watch Ray letting it all hang out.
Reference - Latin Rhythm
1 comment:
Olá Humberto,
Meu nome é Jean-Pierre Barakat. Estou entrando em contato contigo por indicação de alguns funcionários da Fundação Nokia que fizeram um curso de Coaching comigo em Brasília recentemente, e também porque sou tradutor. Aprecio a boa música e gostei muito da tua página. Aguardo o teu contato, então? Meu e-mail é jpbarakat@gmail.com. Até!!!
Post a Comment