Ray Lugo's mind is very fertile, and he's been rather prolific over the last decade, putting out a variety of groovy sounds ranging from organic to electronic, afrobeat to soul, Latin to Brazilian and many different sorts of mashup/fusions in between. But just because he is creatively fecund doesn't mean the quality suffers - each album is hand-crafted and Ray takes his time to shape and mold it to just the right proportions.

So when Ray told me he had some new music he was working on, I didn't know what to expect, but I knew it was going to be sabroso, whatever the ingredients. Turned out it was his second Latin soul record with The Boogaloo Destroyers, and destroy the dance floor is just what they will do when you put this record on the Hi-Fi.

The Boogaloo Destroyers' sound is inspired by the warmth, diversity, and youthful spirit of classic New York Latin Boogaloo of the 1960s, yet at the same time, as composer and lead vocalist, Ray feels he is bringing some of his afrobeat sensibilities and vocal personality to the proceedings. When I asked him to talk about the songs, he offered some entertaining insights:

El Ritmo De Nueva York: "I wanted to feature some real descarga tunes as we lacked those on the first album. Also wanted to show NYC pride!" Let Me Tell Ya 'Bout The Boogaloo: “I was thinking of a couple going uptown for a night of dancing."

I want to leave you, the listener, with this thought Ray shared with me recently: In a hyper difficult music environment Ray has had the great fortune to bring so many of his concepts to life, and he feels this new boogaloo album has come at the perfect time in his career. Now is a time in his life when he's never been more comfortable making music, and he feels blessed to be finding himself constantly amazed by people's kind consideration of his work. After they hear this one, I can assure you Ray, the deal will be sealed!

- DJ Bongohead, New York City, 2013

01 Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers - El Ritmo De Nueva York [clip]

Pre-order on iTunes: i.kud.li/fsrrldig01
Watch video: http://youtu.be/P8kQ16p70-I

Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers are the premier contemporary boogaloo and latin soul outfit working today. Their sound is inspired by the warmth and youthful spirit of classic New York Latin Boogaloo of the late 1960s. That became even more evident when the band were invited to appear at the Fania Recordings recent anniversary celebrations in New York - a fine and fitting endorsement from the crucible of boogaloo music.

Que Chevere! (My Babys Got Latin Soul) is the title track from the band's most recent album, and it's released here in a pairing with a fantastic reworking of another album track La Tumba De Fu Manchu by Athens based producer and DJ, Mr Batterey (Stamy Papadomanolakis), who explains that "the atmospheric sound of cumbia, combined with the organ keys and the woodwind instruments sounded so fresh and transported me into a exotic paradise of sounds".

02 Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers - La Tumba de Fu Manchu (Mr Battery Remix) [clip]

01 Ray Lugo & The Boogaloo Destroyers - Que Chevere! (My Baby's Got Latin Soul) [clip]

Remix of Kokolo's Love International
From Conn-Shawnery's Debut Album
-CS01-
Available on Earth. 

Conntinental Love (Kokolo Remix)

http://raylugo.com/

American music artist. Kokolo Afrobeat, Boogaloo Destroyers, Solo, Terrificos.  

Lugo has performed live in 35 countries, released 12 albums across various music genres, and collaborated and performed with artists such as Manu DiBango, Joe Bataan, Charlie Hunter, Seun Kuti, Chic, Pete Rodriguez, Richie Ray, Kutiman, Sofrito, Gilles Peterson, BeatFanatic, Faze Action, Roy Davis Jr., Diesler, Lack of Afro, Shuya Okino, Souljazz Orchestra and with members of groups such as Peter Gabriel, Lauryn Hill, Matisyahu, Esperanza Spalding, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, King Sunny Ade, Burning Spear, Egypt 80, Grupo Fantasma, Antibalas and many others.

Ray Harris and The Fusion Experience - Scaramunga (Ray Lugo Remix)

Snippet of an upcoming remix for Ray Lugo's track from the album "Now".

RAY LUGO - Now (VALIQUE & FUNKY JUNKIE REMIX) (low quality snippet)

This is my new mashup attempt. I hope you dig it!

Cidade Negra vs Kokolo - The Shadow of Evil Up

Taken from RK45029  Ray Lugo LES Express "I Dream Of Bahia feat. Elani" / "Get On Up feat Roxie Ray" http://recordkicks.bandcamp.com/album/i-dream-of-bahia-get-on-up

Ray Lugo LES Express - Get on up feat Roxie Ray

American singer, songwriter, rhythm guitarist.