New rhythms for congas - two new rhythms added online....

[Tonio]

Cool, he aint ready to go yet

Ditto!!, Ray, don't go on me yet!!
My prayers are with you!!

Thanks for the update JC.

T

[franc]

guys, iam so glad Ray is getting better. may almighty God and with our prayers help in his recovery. he has been my inspiration in this wonderful world of percussion. i started loving latin music and specially percussion while i was serving in viet nam in 1970 . i have all his recording. he is one of my favorite percussionist. i will also pray for his recovery. amen!! áche and bless to all, and thanks for all concerned. franc

[JohnnyConga]

Well after Mr. Barettos "relapse" and second surgery, he is now resting and seems to be better. He is in a hospital in New Jersey, his wife and family are at his side. I will continue to keep you posted.."JC" Johnny Conga....

[JohnnyConga]

Hey fellow Rumbero and Drum Brother of mine William Varela has passed, due to cancer and kidney complications. William was a "Batalero" and had performed all over the country and I took him with me in 1997 to perform in Berlin, Germany. Here is a photo, I took, of William with his Bata drums in Germany. he was a good friend and buddy. I was called from Miami yesterday in the middle of a "tambor" in his honor.His ashes went into the ocean while they played his Bata drums for him.... He will be missed....."JC" Johnny Conga...

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[franc]

J.C,
como estas?? it is really a loss when some you know passes. and most when that someone is that young. he will be missed for sure. my condolences to friends and family. J.C please, keep us posted on our RAY,s condition and health. will be praying for his full recovery. take care and áche ''conguerro mayor'' franc

[JohnnyConga]

Ray is now in recovery... he has 3 doctors taking care of him . The hospital is now receiving emails for him .Here is the email address to send your prayers and wishes too....webinfo@valleyhealth.com .....care of Ray Baretto......"JC" Johnny Conga...

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[ralph]

Hey fellow Rumbero and Drum Brother of mine William Varela has passed, due to cancer and kidney complications. William was a "Batalero" and had performed all over the country and I took him with me in 1997 to perform in Berlin, Germany. Here is a photo, I took, of William with his Bata drums in Germany. he was a good friend and buddy. I was called from Miami yesterday in the middle of a "tambor" in his honor.His ashes went into the ocean while they played his Bata drums for him.... He will be missed....."JC" Johnny Conga...

I heard that William Varela passed through a message sent by Felix Sanabria/oshebile...i don't know much about him...
was he a NY native or PR? Miami?...who did he play with was he part of someone's crew (i.e. Totico or Puntilla, or someone else) how old was he...?

Ralph

[JohnnyConga]

Hi William was my buddy and fellow rumbero. He is Puerto Rican from NYC and from Philly.. He performed with different Bata ensambles from Philly and some back in the 70's in NY. He was 64. He did the Bembe's and toques in Miami with Jesse Feldman, and others....."JC" Johnny Conga...

[JohnnyConga]

GREAT NEWS ..THE DOCTORS EXPECT RAY BARETTO TO MAKE A FULL RECOVERY!!....he is now sedated and on a respirator.. His heart is strong and his other bodily funcitons are working well....the email to the hospital is above to send Ray YOUR Well wishes....keep him in your prayers cause he aint out the woods, yet....."JC" Johnny Conga....

[JohnnyConga]

Im Sorry to have to report that the NO. 1 Latin Jazz bass player Victor Venegas has passed away in Las Vegas....He had played with Mongos' band in the 60's and many many others-Machito-Puente,etc..., even recorded with James Brown.. Victor was an "all round" player in many styles and will be missed....."JC" Johnny Conga....

[JohnnyConga]

Here is a great photo of Victor Venegas with "Zon del Barrio" on congas is William "El Ruso" Everich, who i gave his first drum to, and taught how to play, when he was 18 years old. Willie has now gone on to play with everyone from Tito Puente to Dave Valentin and many other bands in New York City. He is also a "tambolero" that has worked with "Totico" and his Grupo Bembe for over 11 years. Willie is of "russian" xtraction, having been raised in the "South Bronx", He also speaks fluently in Spanish.

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[ABAKUA]

Im Sorry to have to report that the NO. 1 Latin Jazz bass player Victor Venegas has passed away in Las Vegas....He had played with Mongos' band in the 60's and many many others-Machito-Puente,etc..., even recorded with James Brown.. Victor was an "all round" player in many styles and will be missed....."JC" Johnny Conga....

Very sad news JC.

I had the privilidge of seeing him play several times with Jovenes del Barrio and even had him sit in with the band I played with at the time he was on tour here with Jovenes.
We became good friends during his stay here with us and long with the rest of Jovenes, Victor partied hard with us into the early hours of the morning. He even kept up with us sinking back the beers.

He will be missed by all those he touched musically and personally.

Que descanse en pass Victor.


Below is a pic of Victor and myself a few years ago as they sound checked for a major festival in Sydney.

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[ABAKUA]

Here with Jovenes del Barrio... Kinda blurry..

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[JohnnyConga]

I have very sad news today ..Ray Baretto has passed away this morning. I type this with tears in my eyes. He will be missed and his body of work will be with us forever....."Que Viva la Musica"!.....Dear Ray ...R.I.P.....your buddy ..."JC" Johnny Conga....

[JohnnyConga]

In Memorium.....

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