Boogaloo, also known as bugalú, is a vibrant genre of Latin music that emerged in the New York City scene in the 1960s, embodying a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with soul and R&B elements. This exuberant musical style captures the melting pot of the city's Puerto Rican, Cuban, and African American communities, intertwining English and Spanish lyrics with infectious claves and driving brass sections. It's marked by catchy, up-tempo beats, danceable grooves, and an energetic interplay of piano montunos and brassy riffs. Boogaloo became an emblem of youthful, cross-cultural expression, temporarily bridging gaps between varying musical preferences and serving as a forerunner to salsa. Its sound is typified by the works of legendary artists such as Joe Cuba, whose hits like "Bang Bang" invited audiences to the dance floor with its revolutionary and irresistible fusion sounds.

Ray Barretto - Jazz Essentials

Ray Barretto

Album - 14 Tracks - Released May 28, 2025