STANDARDS RICAN-DITIONED - RAY BARRETTO
Straight up with a few twists is what Barretto serves on “Standards Rican-ditioned,” recorded shortly before the jazz master passed away. This nine-song collection fulfills the conguero’s dream to assemble an all-star cast of musicians of Puerto Rican descent to caress and swing through standards sans weighty Latin spice. The fine session highlights the improvisational prowess of tenor saxophonist David Sanchez and pianist Hilton Ruiz (this was also Ruiz’s last recording before his untimely death in New Orleans this spring). “Lean on Me” shines with glistening runs by Ruiz, who also stars on his moving solo rendition of the Ellington/Strayhorn beauty “Something to Live For.” Without flash, Barretto girds the rhythm with his beats, except on the buoyant “Strange Weather,” unfinished before his death. Son Chris fills in on congas while Dad’s scats, originally intended only as markers for his lines, delightfully remain. Billboard
