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The Spanish Harlem Orchestra was founded by Aaron Levinson in 2000. He joined forces with salsa giant Oscar Hernandez and together they assembled the band that has become the Spanish Harlem Orchestra. Their debut album was released in October of 2002 to immediate acclaim and worldwide recognition. In addition to winning the 2004 Grammy for Best Salsa Album and Best New Artist at the 2003 Billboard Latin Music Awards, they were also nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for best Salsa Album Of The Year.
Dedicated to preserving the vital history of classic latin dance orchestras while at the same time writing and arranging new music for the audience of today Spanish Harlem Orchestra is an act that appeals to people of every age, race and disposition. Their success was not limited to the USA however and they have since the beginning made a huge splash on the international touring circuit.
Hong Kong, Istanbul, Glasgow, Brussels, London, Paris, Montreal, this list only scratches the surface of the many cultural centers that have seen the majesty of the Spanish Harlem Orchestra first hand. Whether it be Carnegie Hall in Manhattan or a dance hall in the South Bronx or the s
outh of France Spanish Harlem is a treat for listeners and dancers alike.
With world-class soloists like Jimmy Bosch, Raul Agraz and Bobby Allende coupled with veteran singers like Ray De La Paz and Marco Bermudez the band has inspired musical gifts in a cross-section of areas. While the singers and players are certainly the heart of the band SHO is proud to use some of the greatest arrangers in the history of Latin music. From the brilliant Marty Sheller (Mongo Santamaria) to the 70 plus year old Gil Lopez (Tito Puente) the arrangers for Spanish Harlem steep the band in arrangements that amply reflect the sophistication and musicality of the men behind the charts.
On this new album, Across 110th Street on Libertad Records, SHO is joined by the renaissance man of our time Ruben Blades. His career has been dominated by World Music in recent years, and by winning four Grammy awards in that genre he clearly has a gift for that arena as well. But he started as a salsero in the early 70's and it was in this field that he became a household name in latino communities around the world. Libertad could not be more thrilled to be the record label that has facilitated Ruben's return to his roots. This collaboration would never have been possible without the abiding friendship and respect that has evolved over nearly 30 years between Ruben and Oscar. From their first gig together with Ray Barretto in 1976 these two men have forged a special legacy in the annals of American music. This album is the latest chapter in that remarkable collaboration.
Two trumpets, two trombones and a baritone sax make up the bracing brass sound of this band dedicated conga, bongo and timbale players round out the percussion and the upright bass and acoustic piano are the icing on this salsa flavored cake. With a sound both modern and historic and a swing that could revive the dead Spanish Harlem Orchestra is the signature sound of 21st century Latin music.
Want to see Spanish Harlem Orchestra live? Click here to see their tour dates around the world!
and be sure to check out these other fine artists on Libertad/Section 8:
Fresko - reggaeton
Empire - reggaeton
Jackie Rubio - pop/hip hop
Ray Viera - salsa
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