Ropeadope
Un Gran Dia En El Barrio
by Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Un Gran Dia En El Barrio
by Spanish Harlem Orchestra
RELEASE DATE: 2002-09-17
Spanish Harlem occupies the lower southeastern corner of Harlem itself. the musical contribution of this neighborhood is the last great chapter in the history of 20th century music in America.....remarkably, it is a story that remains largely untold. El barrio, as it is called within the community, has been the birthplace for salsa, latin soul, boogaloo and countless other variants within the tropical latin idiom. From Tito Puente to Marc Anthony, this small enclave has exerted a monumental effect on the sound of American music today. using the most accomplished players in the New York latino community, this album features a cross-section of compositions that create a bridge into this exhilarating place.
Track Listing
- 01. Mama Guela
- 02. Obsession
- 03. Tambori
- 04. Aprende a Qyerer
- 05. La Musica Es Mi Vida
- 06. La Banda
- 07. Pa' Gozar
- 08. Somos Iguales
- 09. Vale Mas Un Guaguanco
- 10. Puebla Latina
About the Artist
All-star lineup of players comes together to pay a long overdue homage on Un Gran Dia En El Barrio.
The album represents an unprecedented tribute to the rich music of New York City's, Spanish Harlem. Like the famous Kane photograph that serves as its namesake, Un Gran Dia En El Barrio brings together the foremost representatives of an important American musical tradition. Whereas "A Great Day In Harlem" offered a succinct portrait of jazz and its stars, Spanish Harlem Orchestra's debut presents a poignant snapshot of salsa performed by its preeminent practitioners. Headed by bandleader Oscar Hernandez (Paul Simon, Ruben Blades), the 12-piece ensemble includes singular vocalist Frankie Vasquez, bassist Ruben Rodriguez and bongo player Bobby Allende. Hernandez reflects, "there are so many talented and passionate players from el barrio. I was thrilled to be able to work with them all together on this project."
Un Gran Dia En el Barrio puts forth fresh versions of the genre's classics. The album opens with "Mama Guela," which features internationally acclaimed vocalist Jimmy Sabeter. Another highlight is "Llego La Banda," composed by Willie Colon and Hector Love. All of the recording's 10 tracks are full of the vibrant ritmo de la vida (rhythm of life) that is integral to Spanish Harlem culture.
According to producer Aaron Lewis Levinson (Jimmy Bosch, Pete Rodriquez), "Un Gran Dia En El Barrio is genuine salsa dura," indicating a hard driving, fundamentally latin sound. Levinson adds, "this album is a musical snapshot of a neighborhood and, by extension, a city and a nation. It reveals the explosive growth and evolution resulting in what salsa music has become today."
The album represents an unprecedented tribute to the rich music of New York City's, Spanish Harlem. Like the famous Kane photograph that serves as its namesake, Un Gran Dia En El Barrio brings together the foremost representatives of an important American musical tradition. Whereas "A Great Day In Harlem" offered a succinct portrait of jazz and its stars, Spanish Harlem Orchestra's debut presents a poignant snapshot of salsa performed by its preeminent practitioners. Headed by bandleader Oscar Hernandez (Paul Simon, Ruben Blades), the 12-piece ensemble includes singular vocalist Frankie Vasquez, bassist Ruben Rodriguez and bongo player Bobby Allende. Hernandez reflects, "there are so many talented and passionate players from el barrio. I was thrilled to be able to work with them all together on this project."
Un Gran Dia En el Barrio puts forth fresh versions of the genre's classics. The album opens with "Mama Guela," which features internationally acclaimed vocalist Jimmy Sabeter. Another highlight is "Llego La Banda," composed by Willie Colon and Hector Love. All of the recording's 10 tracks are full of the vibrant ritmo de la vida (rhythm of life) that is integral to Spanish Harlem culture.
According to producer Aaron Lewis Levinson (Jimmy Bosch, Pete Rodriquez), "Un Gran Dia En El Barrio is genuine salsa dura," indicating a hard driving, fundamentally latin sound. Levinson adds, "this album is a musical snapshot of a neighborhood and, by extension, a city and a nation. It reveals the explosive growth and evolution resulting in what salsa music has become today."