Spanish Harlem Orchestra – The Latin Jazz Project (ArtistShare, 2020)
The New York-based Spanish Harlem Orchestra (SHO) has become one of the finest Latin music ensembles in the United States in the past two decades. The group has been performing and recording fabulous salsa and Latin Jazz for years and features some of the best Latin music players in the New York City area.
On The Latin Jazz Project, the SHO invited an impressive cast of top jazz musicians and acclaimed vocalist Kurt Elling, bringing together the best of Afro-American and Hispanic Caribbean music. The Latin Jazz Project is a fantastic, masterfully produced recording, showcasing the talent of band leader Oscar Hernández, the SHO and its guests, who deliver irresistible Cuban and Puerto Rican rhythms and memorable big band jazz arrangements and solos along with flamenco on “Las Palmas.”
The lineup includes the SHO with Oscar Hernández on piano; Marco Bermúdez on vocals; Carlos Cascante on vocals; Jeremy Bosch on flute and vocals; Héctor Colón on trumpet and flugelhorn; Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz on trumpet and flugelhorn; Doug Beavers on trombone; Noah Bless on trombone; Jorge Castro on baritone saxophone; Luisito Quintero on timbales, chékere, shakers and chimes; George Delgado on congas; Jorge González on bongos; Gerardo “Jerry” Madera on bass; Jonathan Powell on trumpet and flugelhorn; and Mitch Frohman on baritone saxophone.
Guests: Kurt Elling on vocals; Joe Locke on vibraphone; Jimmy Haslip on bass; Tom Harrell on trumpet; Dave Liebman on soprano saxophone; Bob Franceschini on tenor saxophone; Bob Mintzer on tenor saxophone; Jonathan Powell on trumpet; Michael Rodríguez on trumpet; and Miguel Zenón on alto saxophone.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.