‘Rest in peace, Ray'

To the editor: He was tall, charismatic and articulate. He was an icon in not one, but two genres of music: Latin-jazz and salsa. He was also humble, accessible and earthy. And, in the last years of his illustrious life he was a fellow citizen of Warwick. At the age of 76, he was still a bastion of strength on stage, goading the most talented sidemen less than half his age to heights of artistry only a true leader can manifest. Growing up in economically compromised environs in East Harlem, despite his eventual international acclaim, Ray Barretto never lost touch with folks from all walks of life. Indeed, despite his stature as a much beloved performing artist, his most endearing trait was his pointing to “the other guy” as the person deserving credit. He had difficulty recognizing that he was an institution through which passed a myriad of first-class musicians, too numerous to mention. Inevitably, as his band changed over the years, I never ceased to incredulously ask myself, “Now where did he get THAT guy?” He inherently demanded the best and got it. On stage, with his eyes closed, feeling the nuances of his sidemens’ solos, Ray would get transfixed. Rarely would he draw attention to himself. And his band’s arrangements, stylistically unique to the Barretto sound, were like going to an art exhibition and experiencing a plethora of varied stimuli. Ray performed for Sugarloaf Music Series on three occasions - all near sell-out performances. The excitement he generated among his hometown crowd was no less than what I have experienced in Carnegie Hall, at Saratoga Springs, at The Blue Note, and yes, even on the streets of East Harlem. He never forgot his roots. June 3rd of this year would have been his fourth appearance. Ray Barretto was the quintessential advocate for one of his greatest loves - jazz. Sugarloaf Music dedicates its 2006 series to his commitment, his humanity and his memory. We lament his passing on February 17th. Rest in peace, Ray Barretto. Russ Layne Executive Director Sugarloaf Music Series