LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

At best, the odds against a conga drummer being anything but superfluous in a straight-ahead jazz band are formidable. The odds against his being an asset are incalculable. Ray Barretto is one of less than a handful of Latin percussionists who is actually sought out by jazz players. Musicians know that he will bubble and percolate almost subliminally, adding a lift to the proceedings, and that he will never, ever get in the way of the drummer. Barretto's presence is a reason for the sparkling quality of this date by pianist Red Garland and his frequent trio mates Paul Chambers and Arthur Taylor. Garland is particularly effervescent here, even in "Mort's Report," one of his compelling slow blues. (The compact disc includes a sensitive trio recording of "A Portrait of Jenny" that was not originally issued.)
Track listing: Manteca, 'S Wonderful, Lady Be Good, Exactly Like You, Mort's Report, plus CD bonus track Portrait of Jenny