Personnel:
Ray Barretto (perc, bongos, conga), Roberto Rodríguez (tp), Joe Wohletz (tb), Mike Dante, Barry Finclair (vln), Eddie Martínez (p), Carlos Castillo (b), Orestes Vilato (pailas)
Reference: BMCD 1627
Bar code: 8427328016278
SEÑOR 007 is a collection which will do several things. First, it will provide immeasurable pleasure to the millions of James Bond addicts. Second, it will add many more fans to the ever-growing list of RAY BARRETTO devotees. Third, it will present many happy moments to dancers. Fourth, it will enthrall discerning listeners. In short, SEÑOR 007 is a gas! All the excitement of the dauntless Ian Fleming hero is musically brought to the fore through RAY BARRETTO's very distinctive treatments. VIVA SEÑOR 007!
(From the original liner-notes)
"The kind of wrongheaded gimmick record that works brilliantly almost in spite of itself, Ray Barretto's Señor 007 cashes in on the craze for all things James Bond by recasting composer John Barry's intrigue-laden themes as hard-driving Latin jazz groovers. Barretto's bold, widescreen arrangements and punishing rhythms ratchet the music's intensity to new levels while also expanding the potent sensuality implicit in Barry's compositions. Familiar melodies like "Goldfinger," "Thunderball," and the ubiquitous "James Bond Theme" seem fresh and new all over again and the cover, complete with Barretto in a classic espionage tableau, is alone worth the price of admission."
Jason Ankeny -All Music Guide
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"One of our favorite Ray Barretto albums of the 60s a real gem from the pre-Latin Soul years! The albums a clear attempt to cash in on the James Bond craze of the time issued by United Artists, who were releasing the Bond films, but also had Ray under contract during the period too. But despite that simple gimmick, its a great little set with a quality level that goes way beyond Bond soundtracks, or the usual from Barretto at the time! The tracks are all hard and groovy, with an excellent jazz feel and some killer arranging from Ray thats right up there with the work he did for his legendary Charanga Moderna album! You may recognize the song titles but their versions here are superb, and the albums filled with many many wonderful moments that step out with mad rhythms and great jazzy touches. Titles include Mister Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, 007, Search For Vulcan, Thunderball, and Goldfinger. Nice spy shot of Ray on the cover, too!"
Dusty Groove
