Ralfi Pagán
I Can See
CD
(Fania / Emusica - Remastered Edition 130 357),
Released 1975;
Re-Issued 2008
Editor's Pick:
I like the Fania “Rare Groove” series. Dig up a worthy but obscure album, wrap it in nice packaging with good notes and some cool additional archival photos, and make sure you have generally decent sound quality – a good formula for collectors and novices alike. “I Can See” is all that, but the sound quality this time is poor – it sounds like it was mastered from vinyl, crackles and all. Did the masters get thrown in the dumpster back in the 80s? Still, Ralfi manages to shine through, sounding something like a Hispanic Curtis Mayfield or Eddie Kendricks. I love this idiosyncratic little gem of a record, from its eye catching cover to its groovy instrumentation and arrangements – it’s not strictly soul, and it is most certainly not salsa – but, especially on “La Vida,” it is the expression of a certain Barrio sensibility of the times that hovers somewhere between Latino and African-American experiences. Some of the session players here were part of Eddie Palmieri’s seminal Harlem River Drive experiment as well as experienced with the Atlantic Records R&B and jazz scene. Louie Ramirez and Marty Sheller add to the mix in a really soulful way.
Highly recommended. (Pablo Yglesias, 2008-06-05)
Song titles include:
Ooo Baby Baby 3:16
Just For A Litle While 2:40
La Vida 3:07
Loneliness Loneliness 4:29
I Could Never Hurt You Girl 3:22
Darling You And I (Together) 4:31
Stay Out Of My Life 3:56
Rat Race 2:45
Musicians include:
Louie Ramirez Vibes
Joe Beck Guitar
Paul Griffin Piano
Jerry Jemmott Bass
Bernard Purdie Drums
Frank Malabe Congas
Nicky Marrero Bongos
Johnny Pacheco Percussion (Additional)
J.R. Baily Background voices
Kenny Williams Background voices
Mel Kent Background voices
Category: Latin Soul/Boogaloo
=> Latin Soul, Classic 60s Or 70s
Shipping Value: 1
ORDER TL-15775.10 CD $13.98
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