Ray Garci­a y Su Charanga - "La Charanga de Garcia" b/w "Para Ti" [Opaque White 7” in paper sleeve]

DJ Bobbito García, a 2023 NAB Radio Hall of Fame inductee, proudly presents the unreleased music of his father's band, Ray García y Su Charanga, on this limited edition 7" vinyl release off his label Bobbito 45/7. "La Charanga de García" and "Para Ti" were two of four songs recorded in the 1960s at Lynn Oliver Studios on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. They were pressed on a 1-of-1 acetate, and while Bobbito has been spinning publicly for 30+ years, he'd never exposed these two Latin gems in his collection ... until now.

Ray García was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Upon moving to New York City in 1953, García learned to play the vibraphone. His earliest band once opened up for all-time Latin jazz legend Tito Puente at the famed Palladium club in the late '50s. Afterwards, Tito gifted his very own vibes to Ray, which was all the inspiration the budding musician would need to continue his craft.

A charanga is an Afro-Cuban ensemble that plays various dance rhythms featuring the flute, piano, violin, and timbales. Very few bands in this genre were ever led by a vibe player, though, making Ray García unique in the era. "La Charanga de García" and "Para Ti" are both dance floor bangers, but work just as well for aficionados of Latin music who enjoy listening to rare recordings.

Not much more is known about the recording of "La Charanga de García" and "Para Ti." Unfortunately, Ray García passed away in 1997, and all the band members are now deceased as well. The spirit of his music can still be felt strongly on each side, though.