Louie Ramirez/Ray De La Paz & Orquesta Exitos

Latin Beat Magazine, Dec, 2002 by Rudy Mangual

(Coho)

The late Louie Ramirez was one of the premier arrangers in Latin music since the early 1960s, at which time he released his debut album, Introducing Louie Ramirez, on Remo Records. As a vibes player he excelled; worked first with his uncle Joe Loco, then followed with the orchestras of Pete Terrace, Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Joe Cuba, Johnny Pacheco, Willie Rosario, both Titos (Puente and Rodríguez) and many others. Ramírez served as the main arranger as well as producer during the Fania fame years, recording just about everyone who was anyone in the business.

In 1982, he and singer Ray de la Paz recorded the album Noche Caliente for K Tel Records, making it one of the most successful concept recordings in Latin music (mixing and arranging ballads with salsa rhythms). Ray, who previously sang with Conjunto Melao, Orquesta Guararé and Ray Barretto, felt right at home collaborating with Ramirez, and they spent ten years making great music.

Exitos features 14 hit songs from this dynamic duo of salsa music. The hits include Mentirosa, El Ladrón de Tu Amor, Lluvia, Presumida, El Secreto, Todavia, Yo Soy Aquel, and many more. (RM)