SPANISH HARLEM, also known as El Barrio, is a neighbourhood in the northeastern part of the borough of Manhattan and home to one of the largest predominantly Latino communities in New York City.
The area has a vibrant tradition of Latin music, and in 2000 Aaron Levinson and salsa giant Oscar Hernandez joined forces with the idea of preserving the history of the classic Latin dance orchestras and writing and arranging new music for contemporary audiences. The Spanish Harlem Orchestra was born.
The orchestra’s debut album was released in 2002 to immediate acclaim and a Grammy nomination for best Salsa Album Of The Year. In 2003 they won Best New Artist at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and in 2004 they received a Grammy for Best Salsa Album. Once established in America, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s international touring brought them global acclaim.
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. The upright bass and acoustic piano are the icing on this salsa flavoured 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.
This is what Galway audiences can expect when this acclaimed and much loved band take to the stage of the Radisson SAS Hotel on Sunday July 19 at 7pm as part of the Galway Arts Festival.
Arts festival Radisson concerts
The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of a number of shows taking place in the Radisson during the arts festival. Also performing are the Neil Cowley Trio tonight at 8pm. Cowely is a classically trained pianist and composer. His band play jazz music but their unique style has been compared to The Clash and The Jam. Something for everyone there!
Tomorrow at 8pm Arthur Jeffes will celebrate the music of his father Simon Jeffes when he presents Music From The Penguin Café. Expect a night of eccentric, innovative, and thoroughly English music, that mixes pop, classical, and avant garde.
For tickets contact the festival box office, Merchants Road, 091 - 566577. Tickets are also available through www.galwayartsfestival.com
