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Emilio Barreto Presents
SANTISIMO

“This recording pays homage to the African Deities of the Yoruba Religion. In the past, there have been many excellent recordings of Santería, as the veil of secrecy has gradually been lifted from this sacred religious tradition. Santísimo is our contribution to this growing library.

“Santísimo has all the excitement of an authentic ritual feast, and will enhance the listener’s appreciation of the musical tradition of Santería.

“Emilio Barreto, while growing up in the early ‘60s…frequently heard the songs of Shangó and Yemayá, sung through the recordings of Celina and Reutilio. He began his apprenticeship with a drum and guiro group headed by Anthony “Olukushe” Wiles of the International African American Ballet. In 1979, he was initiated as a priest of Obatalá, and has gone on to officiate at hundreds of ceremonies for many respected elders in Santería. Mr. Barreto has participated in international conferences, which include the Worldwide Orisha Conference in Brazil, and [was] recently been asked to portray the role of [a] Santero in a musical production called “The Capeman” by Paul Simon and Derrick Walcott”—from Santísimo’s liner notes by Emilio Barreto.

Personnel:

• Singers: Emilio Barreto, Amelia Pedroso, Orlando “Puntilla” Rios.
• Batá Drums: Iyá (Orlando Rios); Itótole (Pedro Valdez); Okónkolo (Victor Sterling).
• Chorus: Abraham Rodríguez, Carlos Joseph, Wilfredo Simon, Dawn McKen, Evelyn Smart, Olufemi Mitchell, Latoya Bernard.
  

Track List

1. Elegba Rezo (click to download mp3 sample)
2. Elegba Tratao
3. Obatalá Rezo
4. Obatalá Tratao (click to download mp3 sample)
5. Yemayá Rezo
6. Shangó Rezo (click to download mp3 sample)
7. Shangó Tratao
8. Ogún Tratao
9. Oshún Yesa (click to download mp3 sample)
10. Oyá Secencia

© (P) 1996 LUZ Productions, Inc.

$15.98