Spanish Harlem Orchestra
ArtistShare, 2020, CD
Instrument: Instrumental
Issue: 26.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 5
Sound: 3
Score: 93
O’s Notes: The Latin Jazz Project is the 6th CD from this well decorated band that is dedicated to hard-core salsa. Bandleader, pianist Oscar Hernández enlists support from a stellar cast along with his large ensemble. There’s a nice vocal arrangement of “Invitation” featuring Kurt Elling and Miguel Zenon (sax). But the instrumentals dominate this outing notably “Bebo” featuring Bob Mintzer (sax), “Las Palmas” with Tom Harrell (t), “Silent Prayers” featuring bassist Jimmy Haslip, Jeremy Bosch (fl) and Dave Liebman (sax), a spirited arrangement of “Round Midnight” and “Latin Perspective” featuring Joe Locke (vibes). “Descarga des Jazz” is a fitting festive finale for a super set.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions