Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Swing Forever (Ovation Records, 2024)
The Spanish Harlem Orchestra, a three-time Grammy Award-winning salsa ensemble, has released its ninth studio album, Swing Forever just in time to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. As they approach their 24th anniversary, the multinational orchestra continues to uphold their reputation as an influential and essential act shaping and catalyzing contemporary salsa music. Notably, the current lineup features musicians from Puerto Rico, the USA, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Spain.
Under the direction of Latin music veteran Oscar Hernández, the 13-piece band delivers an enticing, flavorful and masterfully-crafted New York hard salsa sound. Indeed, they expertly mix traditional Puerto Rican and Cuban elements with Layin jazz and modern influences.
The album features eleven dazzling tracks, including a notable collaboration with six-time Grammy winner Puerto Rican vocalist Gilberto Santa Rosa, also known as “El Caballero de la Salsa” (the gentleman of salsa) on “Llegó El Caballero” (the gentleman has arrived).
Swing Forever also pays tribute to salsa legend Ray Barretto, a key figure in Hernández’s musical development. The album includes a new arrangement of Barretto’s “Yo Vine Pa’ Echar Candela” as a nod to Hernández’s early mentorship under the iconic bandleader. Additionally, the album presents a rendition of Rubén Blades’ classic “Las Calles,” arranged by Doug Beavers, along with stirring original compositions by Hernández and other members of the orchestra.
The album features three outstanding vocalists Marco Bermúdez, Carlos Cascante, and Jeremy Bosch (who is also a talented flute player), who are some of the finest in the US salsa scene. Meanwhile, the instrumental section is formidable, featuring an exceptional ensemble of instrumentalist with a powerful brass section and irresistible percussion.
Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Oscar Hernández, piano, musical director; Jeremy Bosch on vocals; Marco Bermudez on vocals; Carlos Cascante on vocals; George Delgado on congas; Oreste Abrantes on bongos; Luisito Quintero on timbales; Gerardo “Jerry” Madera on bass; Mitch Frohman on saxophone and flute; Doug Beavers on trombone; Manuel “Maneco” Ruiz on trumpet; Alex Norris on trumpet; and Juan Gabriel “Juanga” Lakunza on trombone.
Buy Swing Forever.
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.