Up Close & Personal w/Legendary Latin Jazz Percussionist "Ray Mantilla"

Ray Mantilla continues to raise the bar for Latin jazz while he welcomes you to the land of rhythm and groove with The Connection!

Ray Mantilla is the "connection" as referenced in this aptly titled release from Savant. At 79, Mantilla is that all important standard bearer for the connection between the jazz he cut his teeth on and the Afro-Caribbean rhythms that make up his musical DNA. The Latin flip side to the great Art Blakey, Mantilla has a keen eye for young talent and this dynamic septet includes some of the finest up and coming players not just on the Latin scene but in jazz today. Walking the sonic tightrope between his Puerto Rican roots and the Afro-Caribbean vibe made famous during his stint with Gato Barbieri, Mantilla is making music his way and with stellar results.