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Critic's Review
Evan C. Gutierrez, All Music Guide
Ray Barretto's concert in Puerto Rico's Tito Puente Auditorium on April 27, 2001 would prove the conguero's farewell to salsa. After decades of dual residency in both the worlds of salsa and Latin jazz, Barretto says "Adios" to the former, opting to spend his last few years in the industry recording more jazz-oriented material. This star-studded performance takes a look at the career and collaborations of the most significant conguero/bandleader of the latter half of the 20th century. Barretto's many years in the salsa limelight made him some good friends, many of whom take the stage to join him for his final offering to the salsa world. The vocal lineup is incredible, including Ray de la Paz, Adalberto Santiago, Victor Manuelle, Yolanda Rivera, and Tito Allen. Manuelle, who was filling in for Tito Gomez, is actually not listed in the credits, having been brought out of the audience to fill in on "Guarare" at the last moment. Though the performances are scorching hot, the sound quality leaves a bit to be desired. Poor fidelity aside, this two-disc set features 14 of not only great salsa hits, but the hitmakers as well. Ray Barretto certainly knows how to go out with a bang!
