Tonight we’re going to Spotlight a talented Musician, Record Producer, Band Leader El Gran Timbalero The late Ralph Irizzary RIP. We were friends since the eighties when I lived in LA. He was a great friend and humble human being. Always fun to be around. Tonight we will honor Ralph’s Music that lives forever. Ralph is dearly missed. Now let’s take a listen to a creative spirit great percussionist who completed his mission on this dimension.

Ralph Irrizzary RIP . I remember him as an actor in Mambo Kings . He was the butcher. That was a taste of his music available on YouTube search TIMBALAYE the name of his band.

a group with a sound that had great arrangements with a Cuban Timba swing a danceable Cuban Salsa Afro Caribbean Jazz group from Puerto Rico BATACUMBLE with percussionist on Congas Cachete Maldonado RIP , Eric Figueroa on Piano, Papo Vazquez on Trombone and I believe Nestor Torres on Flute. Incredible sound. Salsa singers were traveling alone with their musical director and background vocalists. 12-15 piece bands not in high demand hard to make it work. Locally they were a hit and in NYC. this music in the 80’s by Batacumbele and Ralph Irrizzary RIP in the 90’s was influenced by Forbidden Music to US Citizens. The Cuban influence and long single recordings.