Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Imágenes Latinas (Ovation Records, 2022)
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the masters of salsa dura (hard salsa) and Latin Jazz, are back with a fantastic new album titled “Imágenes Latinas“. The GRAMMY-winning ensemble was founded by pianist and composer Oscar Hernández in the early 2000s with the goal of honoring the music traditions of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, chiefly Cuba and Puerto Rico, as well as the musical creations of the Hispanic diaspora in the United States.
“Imágenes Latinas” is the first album on Hernández’s own label, Ovation Records, and it was crowdfunded, supported by the band’s followers. Following the tradition of the great salsa and Latin Jazz orchestras, Spanish Harlem Orchestra features a powerful brass section with some of the best players in the New York scene; three master percussionists; formidable bass; several superb vocalists and the remarkable musical direction of Oscar Hernández on piano, who composed most of the material.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra also calls itself La Hispánica, and they deliver a set of irresistible songs and stellar solos, rooted in exciting hard salsa, swinging mambo, captivating son cubano, exquisite boleros (without the cheese), cha cha chá, skillful Latin Jazz, and beyond.
“As leader and producer, my mission and vision is to represent the great history and legacy of this music that I’ve been blessed to be a part of my entire life,” says Hernández. “Our passion and commitment to this music is never ending…As with all the new Spanish Harlem Orchestra recordings, the concept and sound is the same but the playing of new songs, arrangements, and performances always aim to create a new magic for the listeners”.
The lineup includes Oscar Hernández on piano; Marco Bermúdez on lead and backing vocals; Carlos Cascante on lead and backing vocals; Jeremy Bosch on lead and backing vocals, flute; Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz on trumpet; Alex Norris on trumpet; Doug Beavers on trombone; Juan Gabriel Launza on trombone; Mitch Frohman on baritone saxophone and flute; Luisito Quintero on timbales, maracas and güiro; George Delgado on congas; Jorge González on bongos; and Jerry Madera on bass.
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.