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News “En Clave”

The Latest News From The Salsero Movement In Germany

We begin the section News “En Clave” that will be dedicated in this edition to Germany. Here, you will see the latest in the Salsa movement in this Western European country during March 2022. Are you ready? Let us begin…

a couple of dancers at Havanna Club in Berlin — Havanna is your Latin getaway in Berlin

We open with the Havanna club located at Hauptstr.30 10827 Berlin. Here you can enjoy Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, and other rhythms on four dance floors with resident DJs. You can also try the mojitos in one of its seven bars and before opening the venue you can participate in Salsa lessons with qualified instructors to advanced and amateur levels.

This club that opened its doors in 1997 and since then has been dedicated to Latin night entertainment in the German capital offers Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata classes (No registration or dance partners required) every Wednesday (7 PM – 8 PM ), Friday (Salsa / Merengue from 9 PM to 10 PM), and Saturday (9 PM to 10 PM) with a cost of € 6 that includes admission and the after-party.

At Havanna, you will find nice people and a great atmosphere on every dance floor. On the first floor (Lower Floor) you will have the purest Salsa every Saturday until dawn, while on the second floor (Upper Floor) on Saturdays there will be a mix between Bachata and urban rhythms. The third dance floor (Basement) is dedicated to the fusion of Anglo-Saxon rhythms, and the fourth dance floor (Big Room) will be available on Wednesday and Friday nights for those who love Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata. And as additional information, I recommend you arrive at 10 PM because at that time and until 11 PM the ladies have free admission.

conexion band dressed in black — Mayelis Guyat (Lead Vocals), Jörg Bücheler (Trombone), Daniel Stawinski (Piano), Sergio Gómez (Bass), Robby Geerken (Congas), and Hardi Barnewold (Timbales, Conductor)

We continue with the second recommendation that I bring you to enjoy Salsa orchestras live in Germany and this time I am talking about La Fiesta de la Salsa with the band Conexión feat. Mayelis, this Saturday, March 12th at 9 PM. This legendary band of six musicians from Cuba, Colombia, and Germany returns to Berlin nights playing live the hottest Salsa, Son Cubano, Cha cha chá, and the most popular singles such as “A Dios Le Pido” included in their most recent record production Felicidad released on February 25th on all digital platforms.

Likewise, La Fiesta de la Salsa will also feature Salsa and Timba sets along with dance classes starting at 8 PM with DJ FISMO brought directly from Cuba.

The event will take place at Casa Pfefferberg 13 at Calle Schoenhauser 176 and the cost of admission ranges from €14 – €18. The permanence in the place will remain under the 2G regulations, that is, you can dance without a mask and without keeping a distance, and consequently you can only attend if you are fully vaccinated or verifiably recovered.

a couple of instructors dancing at euro-dance festival — The Euro Dance Festival will have more than 50 individual workshops and seminars daily

And finally, I recommend the largest festival in Europe, Euro Dance Festival to be held from Tuesday, March 1st to Sunday, March 6th at the Europa-Park facilities located at Straße 2 77977 Rust. During these six days, they will give more than 370 workshops in a wide variety of dance styles, from standard to Salsa, Argentine Tango, and many more. The program of the Euro Dance Festival culminates with four unforgettable evenings of world-class shows.

The ticket cost at the box office is worth €620 and anyone who has not reserved a seat at the table will be assigned a fixed seat (theater seat) on-site (no surcharge). During the show (approx. 60 minutes) an FFP2 mask must be worn in the seat, and no drinks or food can be brought. Masks are mandatory (FFP-2, no cloth or surgical masks) in all areas and at all times. The only exception will be during workshops and when practicing at night, only while actively dancing.

33 actors on stage in the Cuban musical Havana Nights — Cuba’s hit musical, Havana Nights, has been touring in Europe since March 2018

I end this edition by bringing you this Cuban Salsa bonus. The musical Havana Nights will be presented on Sunday, March 20th at 7:30 PM at Europaplatz 12, 26123 Oldenburg, and the cost of admission in category 1 is €72.49.

In this musical, you will listen to live Caribbean rhythms performed by a band of 9 girls accompanied by the Havana Nights Dance Company, with its impressive performance in which Salsa & Merengue, as well as urban dance and hip-hop, merge harmoniously in a fiery choreography.

At their side will also be the technical precision of the artists of the National Circus of Cuba, winner of multiple awards at circus festivals around the world, including Monte Carlo, China, Italy, Spain, and France.

The stage is made with authentic decoration of Cuba and lights with 3D projection. The 33 artists on stage will impress you with their great production and warm Caribbean sounds that will transport you directly to the heart of Cuba.

You Can Continue Reading News “En Clave” of previous editions.

Maestro Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva, conductor, arranger and composer

He is one of Mexico’s most important musicians and cultural heritage, recuerdos del Son with Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva.

Jorge Barrientos was born on November 14, 1953 in Mexico City. He studied music at the Escuela del Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Música del Distrito Federal. Groups and orchestras in which he has worked: Mocambo, Horóscopo Tropical, Jorge y su Boogaloo, Sonora Brasilia, Sonora Mayoral, Yímbola Combo, La Justicia, Sonora.

In 1980 he founded Recuerdos del Son (director, arranger, and composer), whose group is already part of our cultural heritage of Afro-Caribbean music in Mexico. This group has participated in festivals, conferences, concerts, and courses, in the most important auditoriums and theaters of the CDMX and the interior of the country. It is worth mentioning that it has been the only Mexican group invited to Nicaragua.

Within his musical career he has been a commentator on radio stations such as Radio D, Radio Educación, La Tropi Q and XEB. He has published several works on Afro-Antillean music and especially on Cuban Son -among others- El Son Raíz y evolución, La Clave en el Son cubano, Método de Tres and a didactic disc on the variants of Son.

Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva y Erika Muñoz

Regarding pre-Hispanic music, he published the research: ANALOGÍA ENTRE LOS INSTRUMENTOS DE PERCUSIÓN PREHISPÁNICOS Y LOS DEL SON CUBANO (ANALOGY BETWEEN PRE-HISPANIC PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS AND CUBAN SON). He has given conferences, concerts and workshops in several cultural spaces such as Faculties of the Universidad Autónoma de México, Cultural Centers in Mexico City, as well as in the interior of the Republic.

He has participated in the Cervantino Festival twice, the Caribbean Festival in Managua, Nicaragua in 1984, Festival de las Artes in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Tabasco, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, etc, etc. Jorge A. Barrientos Silva was an advisor in the Chamber of Deputies, and commissioner of the Musicians Union.

He has been Secretary of Political Action and in charge of the Legal Department. In the Musicians Union, he was a founder of the Afro-Antillean music workshop, besides having given countless lectures on the Cuban Son and its variants.

Jorge, how many productions have you recorded?

FIRST PRODUCTION OF MR. GENARO ÁLVAREZ (R.I.P.D.)

Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva — First production of Mr. Genaro Álvarez (Q.E.P.D.)

He is one of Mexico's most important musicians and cultural heritage

INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION, OWN BRAND, EL SON RECORDS

Record pressed in Pentagrama brand, production Jorge Barrientos

Independent production for the company’s own brand, discs Son

Record pressed at the pentagram brand, production Jorge Barrientos

Among those productions, which is the one that has left a mark in your musical history?

All of them have been important and, for example, the album HOIMENAJE PEREGRINO, is a product that record collectors look for and has a special value.

The album, recorded live at the Teatro de la Ciudad, is a document that contains compositions and arrangements by the members, including music and piano solos by Mexican jazzman Héctor Infanzón.

We know that you participated in a festival in Nicaragua, can you share with us about that great experience?

It was something special, since several groups from all over the world participated, among them, Italians, Venezuelans, Cubans, etc. and when playing “al tocar al tú por tú”, the Mexican musicians did not shrink.

You participated in several recordings of your musical partners, to mention a few Tony Camargo, Linda Vera, Wuelfo Gutiérrez, (former member of the legendary Sonora Matancera), what did these great musicians leave you as a musician?

Participating with great music legends is an unforgettable experience since they ask you to interpret the scores, according to the recordings that have left their mark.

Were you in the golden age of Afro-Antillean music, how did Afro-Antillean music develop in those years?

Without underestimating the work of today’s musicians, the era I lived in was very special, because each group tried to put its “stamp” on each performance, nowadays, regularly and with honorable exceptions, most of them “sound the same”.

In the present time, do you consider that Afro-Antillean music has transcended?

Yes, it has transcended, but, with the globalization of culture, sometimes there are few novelties.

Jorge, which show do you remember that alternated with the salseros from abroad?

In the fever of the ’80s, fortunately, the businessmen looked at us to alternate with the great figures, among these I can mention: Irakere, Orquesta Aragón, Gran Combo, Sonora Matancera, Sonora Ponceña, Son 14, Adalberto y su Son, etc.

In the fever of the 80's, fortunately, businessmen looked at us to alternate with the great figures — In the fever of the 80’s, fortunately, businessmen looked at us to alternate with the great figures

¿Recuerdos del Son is already a cultural heritage of the CDMX did you imagine that someday it would happen?

The work in the cultural area has been the goal of our efforts. How nice to receive the affection and recognition of the people, who are ultimately the ones who make our career.

As director and musician of your own orchestra, has it been difficult to get to where you are?

Music and being in the show business is a daily battle, and if it has been difficult, of course, no one has the formula for success, we will continue in the daily struggle, preparing ourselves and presenting our new productions,

How did your love for the guitar, the bass and the Cuban tres come about?

First, I am a descendant of a bohemian family, where the guitar was never missing, then with time my love for the bass and then the Cuban tres began.

Are you still performing?

I’ve been performing on Saturdays at the Salón Caribe and other dance halls for 4 years. The cultural activities have been suspended for some time now (by covid) but, hopefully, the presentations in festivals and theaters will be reactivated.

Do you still feel the same adrenaline rush when you step on a stage?

Fortunately, it’s the same emotion, you never know if the public is receptive or ignores your efforts.

In your musical career, have you been honored or received recognition?

Yes, I have received countless recognitions, both for the trajectory of RECUERDOS DEL SON and for the research work I have done.

Jorge before saying goodbye we want to thank you for being and existing as the cultural heritage of the CDMX.

Would you like to close this talk with a few words?

Some say that Son is dead, Don Ignacio Piñeiro used to say: “Son is the most sublime thing for the soul to have fun, it should die, who for good does not judge it.

MAY THE SON NOT DIE, WITH CLAVE AND BONGO, MEMORIES OF THE SON.

Facebook: Jorge Anselmo Barrientos Silva

Article of Interest: Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, native of the city of Valparaíso

Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz “Coco & su Sabor Matancero”

Born on December 7 he comes from a very humble family but full of lots of love and flavor.

Roots:

my dad played the guitar and serenaded all the women in the neighborhood, my mom loved to play and sing, she would take a pewter plate and improvise a güiro and start playing and singing hahahaha. I also had an uncle who was a singer of Mexican music (Rancheras) my first recording was in 1965 with the Sexteto Tropical.

That’s where I come from.

Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz “Coco & su Sabor Matancero” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt

How many productions do you currently have?

In total I have about 45 productions with different groups, but with my Conjunto COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO I have 8 productions.

In your musical trajectory, which musicians have left their mark on you?

The first one was my debut in the professional field with Maestro Porfi Jimenez and the stars of Venezuela.

This was in 1974 where I had the joy of being the first Venezuelan singer to perform with Las Estrellas De Fania at the Nuevo Circo de Caracas.

And also to have accompanied great stars of Latin music with my Conjunto COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO.

Among them the Queen Celia Cruz, the Inquieto Anacobero Daniel Santos, Celio Gonzalez, Leo Marini, Nelson Pinedo, Lino Borges, Mundito Gonzales, Canelita Medina, Trina Medina Cheo Garcia, Memo Morales, Oscar D Leon and others.

Of the productions you have, which is the most significant?

One of them is the album entitled Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Sabor Ritmo y Calidad” where the great singer and (sonero) José Alberto el Canario participates as director, chorus and co-producer.

And the other significant one is COCO Y SU SABOR MATANCERO CON “TODO” because there I managed to bring together several artists of the stature of Wilmer Lozano,

Mariana la Sonera de Venezuela, the comedian and singer El Moreno Michael and Rodrigo Mendoza, also the floor singers Luis Muñoz and my son Coco Ortega Jr.

How many productions have you participated in as an independent producer of your own?

Born on December 7th, he comes from a very humble family but full of love and flavor. — “Coco & su Sabor Matancero”

The first was Yo Soy El Son Cubano, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero en Concierto, a Gozar con Mi Son Cubano, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero Original, Coco y Su Sabor Matancero Tremendo Comban and Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Con todo”.

Where are you currently living and how do you see the music scene there?

At the moment I am in Caracas Venezuela

At present, as in all parts of the world, we musicians have been the most affected since the work has declined too much, but we hope that with God’s favor things will open up little by little and that we will become aware that this is not a game and that we have to take care of each other.

Have you been in the best time of your life and what do you miss the most?

What I miss most is the era of the 70s, 80s, 90s.

When we played in three and four places on the same night.

Tell us about your last production?

As I told you, I had the pleasure of bringing together first class singers and the result was Coco y Su Sabor Matancero “Con Todo” (With Everything).

Coco y Su Sabor Matancero (ft: Rodrigo Mendoza) – Margot, tell us about this song?

Let me tell you that this song Margot is a Venezuelan waltz pasaje of which three versions have been made, the first interpretation was made by a great representative of our Venezuelan Music as it was Don Mario Suarez, then it was made by a great Peruvian musician Don Lucho Macedo.

And the most resent by Coco and its Matancero flavor and the person selected to interpret it was one of the great singer (sonero) Rodrigo Mendoza for his great interpretative quality of our Latin Music.

Do you miss Venezuela, your homeland?

The time I was living in the United States I missed daily my dear and always loved Venezuela, now I am in my homeland Venezuela.

What are we currently expecting from Coco & su Sabor Matancero?

My most recent production titled “Un Guaguancó Páramo” which was released on December 16, 2021.

“Un Guaguancó Pá mi Barrio” by Angel Flores, a song that brings together eight great

manages to bring together eight great exponents of our Latin music.

Freddy de Jesús Ortega Ruiz “Coco & su Sabor Matancero”

Performers:

Coco Ortega Jr.

Coco Ortega

Mariana “La Sonera de Venezuela”.

Angel Flores

Yorjan Cardona

Jimmy El León

Marcial Isturiz

Rodrigo Mendoza

Arrangement and Musical Direction:

Félix Guzmán “Guachafa”

Members Coco y Su Sabor Matancero:

Coco Ortega general director – singer, minor percussion

Andrés Romero “Tapón” – Trumpet

Cesar Guares “El Guaro” – Trumpet

Félix Guzmán “Guachafa” – Bass guitar

Franklin Infante – Piano

Igor Cochyze- Timbalito

José Araujo – Tumbadora – Singer

Coco Ortega Jr. – Singer

Yorjan Cardona – Singer

Backing Vocals:

Carlitos Guzmán

Eloy Blanco

Special guest:

Leo Pérez – Flute

Article of Interest: Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, native of the city of Valparaiso

Walk This Route Of Latin Events In Switzerland Before 2022

Bachata Xtreme 2021, Arturo Y Su Azucaribe, Abrázame And Tu Música Cubana

Couple dressed in white shirt and bluejeans dancing — End 2021 with this route of events in Switzerland

This year is already ending, and before saying goodbye, enjoy four authentically Latin parties in this mountainous country of central Europe.

Bachata Xtreme 2021

Kiko Ortega and Christina Schirjaev dancing — Kiko Ortega and Christina Schirjaev (Bachata Xtreme 2021 Organizers)

Kiko Ortega (Seville – Spain) and Christina Schirjaev (Hamburg – Germany) are the organizers of the event in Switzerland that highlights Bachata, the Latin dance with the most sensual movements and one of the most popular of the last decade.

Bachata Xtreme 2021 will be based on the Dominican rhythm, giving 6-hour workshops that include the clean and social style, working in pairs with the primary purpose of achieving an impressive connection between the two, and offering additional detailed information on the concepts of Lead and Follow in this Latin dance that will improve your skills with great success. With this didactic teaching mechanism that they impart, they differ from the rest of their peers in the area.

Besides, it is also important to know that attendees will only be able to access the event by presenting a valid Covid certificate along with identification. If the event is canceled due to current circumstances, the tickets will be fully refunded.

Bachata Xtreme 2021 is the place where people who love to dance meet!

Date: Saturday, November 20^th

Venue: Danceorama. Zentweg 26, 3006 Bern, Switzerland

Price: CHF 180 / person

Arturo y Su Azucaribe In Concert

The six members of Arturo y Su Azucaribe together with a nature mural in the background — Arturo y Su Azucaribe released their debut album Llegó Mi Son with the single Mi Son Cubano in January 2019

World Music Festival 2021 presents Arturo y su Azucaribe in concert on the last Tuesday of November. This band integrated into Swiss society but whose music is molded to their cultures of origin takes a tour of traditional Cuban melodies.

This orchestra founded in 2012 displays its talent during concerts with the Guaguancó, Son Cubano, and Boleros fusing them with the Salsa hits of the last two decades of important personalities such as Héctor Lavoe and Marc Anthony among many others.

Arturo y su Azucaribe released Llegó Mi Son, their first record production in January 2019, with unpublished compositions written by the band´s members with the production and direction of the bassist and conductor Arthur Furrer.

So, remember to stay in Zurich and dance to the rhythm of Salsa at this week-long festival.

Arturo y Su Azucaribe live at the World Music Festival!

Date: Tuesday, November 30^th

Venue: Theater Stok. Hirschengraben 42, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Price: CHF 40 / person

You Can Also Read: The All Stars Festival Will Be like This In Budapest

Abrázame Y Tu Música Cubana In Bern

People dancing on Rueda — Two authentically Latin events on two floors

Two Latin events that will infect you with Sabor y Son!

Abrázame is a Latin event that takes place every month and brings the most current Puerto Rican Salsa, New York On2 style, as well as the best of Cuban Salsa, Bachata, Cha-Cha, and other Afro-Caribbean rhythms.

In addition, Abrázame will have a sensual Bachata workshop and a representative show of the genre. The social dance will start at 10 PM with DJ Samy (Salsa Mix) and DJane Energía (Bachata / Kizomba)

The biosecurity system will be implemented by disinfection in all areas of the venue and there will be a constant tracking system due to the reduced space. It implies that attendees must complete the complete registration with their data: last names, names, telephone numbers, and email addresses (data that will be kept for approximately two weeks).

Date: Saturday, November 13^th

Venue: Dalmaziquai 69, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Price: CHF 35 / person (Only Cash)

The second authentic Latin party in the Swiss capital is Tu Música.

Every third Friday of the month, you can enjoy this Cuban Salsa (Timba) event on a free dance floor with DJ Saltho for all salseros who wish to move and immerse themselves in the rhythm for three continuous hours.

Date: Friday, November 19th

Venue: Tanzpfeiler, Dalmaziquai 69, 3005 Bern, Switzerland

Time: 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Price: CHF 10 / person (Only Cash)

Larry Harlow ¨El Judío Maravilloso¨ Salsa Legend

He is a traditional and important figure in Latin music.

Pianist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Arranger, Composer, Producer and Musical Director Lawrence Ira Khan “Larry Harlow el Judío Maravilloso” was born on March 20, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

He traveled to Cuba in the ’50s, at which time he established his residence and began to study Afro-Cuban music. After gaining experience, he returned to New York to develop his own style and created his group “The Harlow Orchestra”.

Later, he participated in “The Fania All Stars”. During his years with Fania, Harlow recorded 35 albums as the leader of his own orchestra and another 20 as a member of Fania.

Harlow ha participado activamente en giras internacionales y en las principales ciudades de Estados Unidos. Actualmente, además de tocar con su banda, Harlow graba y dirige videos para artistas líderes en Estados Unidos y Europa. — Larry Harlow, creator and innovator of salsa.

He also produced more than 200 recordings for other artists, created and composed the first salsa opera, “Hommy”, which he orchestrated, directed and performed in New York and Puerto Rico.

Harlow stays active on international tours as well as in the main cities of the United States. In the present day, in addition to playing with his band, Harlow records and directs videos for standout artists from the United States and Europe.

Larry Harlow, a salsa composer.

The Latin music iconic pianist’s career in 10 recordings that marked an era and the history.

Heavy Smokin’ (1966)

Impresionado con la forma de tocar de la orquesta, Masucci se acercó a su líder, un joven pianista de origen judío llamado Larry Harlow, y le ofreció un contrato discográfico. Harlow sería el primer artista firmado con el nuevo sello Fania Records. Grabado con el cantante cubano Felo Brito, este primer LP incluye "La juventud", además de "Chez José", un homenaje al conjunto donde todo comenzó. — Heavy Smokin (1966)

In 1964, future salsa impresario Jerry Masucci went to the Chez José club to go dancing with his girlfriend in Manhattan. Impressed with the orchestra playing, Masucci approached its leader, a young pianist of Jewish origin named Larry Harlow, and offered him a record contract. Harlow would be the first artist signed by the newly-opened label of Fania Records. Recorded with Cuban singer Felo Brito, this first LP includes “La juventud”, as well as “Chez José”, which was a tribute to the club where it all started.

Presenta a Ismael Miranda (1969)

Aunque sus personalidades son completamente distintas, Harlow y Miranda graban una serie de LP explosivos con ritmos afrocubanos. Esta es su segunda colaboración y presenta algunas canciones de boogaloo, que estaba de moda en el momento. El bajista es Bobby Valentin, quien aporta tres temas, entre ellos el swing letal de "La Contraria". — Presenta a Ismael Miranda (1969)

In the late 1960s, Harlow found the singer who would bring his group to the aristocracy of salsa: a young Puerto Rican boy named Ismael Miranda. Although their personalities are completely different, Harlow and Miranda record a series of explosive LPs with Afro-Cuban rhythms. This is their second collaboration and features some boogaloo songs, which was the fashion of the moment. The bassist is Bobby Valentin, who contributes three songs, including the lethal swing of “La Contraria”.

Abran Paso! (1971)

Su sonido de trombón y trompeta alcanza un paroxismo de sabor en Abran paso !, anclado en tan maravillosas composiciones de Ismael Miranda como "Abandonada fue", "Donde llevas el son" y "Dolor y amor". El cantante aporta su sensibilidad puertorriqueña, mientras que las orquestaciones de Harlow se nutren de la tradición del son cubano. Una combinación de electrizante éxito artístico y comercial. — Abran paso! (1971)

While collaborating with the legendary Fania All Stars as a keyboard player, Harlow feverishly records, taking advantage of the explosion of salsa as a cultural phenomenon. His trombone and trumpet sound reaches a paroxysm of flavor on Abran paso!, anchored in such wonderful compositions made by Ismael Miranda as “Abandonada fue”, “Donde llevas el son” and “Dolor y amor”. The singer brings his Puerto Rican sensibility, while the orchestrations of Harlow are nurtured in the tradition of Cuban son. An combination of electrifying artistic and commercial success.

Homenaje a Arsenio Rodríguez (1971)

Junto a Miranda, compuso la canción "Arsenio", una salsa fuerte con sabor cubano y un clima de melancolía desgarradora. El resto del LP, que fue grabado en una sesión de ocho horas, está dedicado al repertorio de Rodríguez, con versiones extraordinarias de "Tumba y bongo", "No me llores" y "El terror", entre otros. Indispensable. — Tribute to Arsenio Rodríguez (1971)

When Arsenio Rodriguez (musical genius, blind, and pioneer of Cuban son passed away in Los Angeles in December 1970) Harlow quickly decided to record an LP dedicated to his work. Along with Miranda, he wrote the song “Arsenio”, a strong salsa with Cuban flavour and a climate of heartbreaking melancholy. The rest of the LP, which was recorded in an eight-hour session, is dedicated to Rodríguez’s repertoire, with extraordinary versions of “Tumba y bongo”, “No me llores” and “El terror”, among others. Indispensable.

Hommy A Latin Opera (1973)

Inspirado en la ópera rock Tommy del grupo inglés The Who, grabó Hommy, con la participación de Cheo Feliciano y Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, entre otros. Harlow le pidió a Celia Cruz, que estaba desatendida por la industria de la música en ese momento, que cantara "Gracia Divina", que resucitó su carrera. — Hommy A Latin Opera (1973)

In the early 70s, Ismael Miranda decided to leave the orchestra of Harlow and pursue a solo career, which would cause animosity between them for a long time. Harlow began developing ambitious projects. Inspired by the rock opera Tommy by the English group The Who, he recorded Hommy, with the participation of Cheo Feliciano and Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez, among others. Harlow asked Celia Cruz, who was neglected by the music industry at that time, to sing “Gracia Divina”, which resurrected her career.

Salsa (1974)

Bajo el sencillo título Salsa, rinde homenaje a las raíces cubanas de la música tropical, combinando el sonido del trombón y la trompeta con dos violines que evocan la estética charanga de grupos como la Orquesta Aragón. Con "La cartera", una versión de una canción de Arsenio Rodríguez, Harlow logró su mayor éxito. Gracias a los cantantes Adalberto Santiago y Junior González surgió el sobrenombre de "El Judío Maravilloso" — Salsa (1974)

Harlow recorded one of his most significant albums in just two days. Under the simple title Salsa, it paid tribute to the Cuban roots of tropical music, combining the trombone and trumpet sound with two violins that evoke the aesthetics charanga made by groups like Orquesta Aragón. With “La cartera”, a cover version of a song by Arsenio Rodriguez, Harlow achieved his biggest hit. Thanks to singers Adalberto Santiago and Junior González, the nickname “El Judío Maravilloso” came about.

El Judío Maravilloso (1975)

Este LP del año 1975 sigue explotando un sonido épico con marcada influencia cubana. El tema de apertura, "El dolorcito de mi china", de Arsenio Rodríguez, tiene una duración de 10 minutos e incluye un solo de piano lleno de virtuosismo y expresividad. El auge de la carrera del tecladista no mostró signos de desvanecimiento, como lo demuestran sus versiones de "Buenavista guaguancó" y "El negrito ñéngere", así como el instrumental psicodélico "Latin Roots", compuesto por el propio Harlow. — El judío Maravilloso (1975)

Harlow continued to record prodigious albums, now with Junior Gonzalez as lead vocalist. This LP of the year 1975 continues to exploit an epic sound with a amarked Cuban influence. The opening track, “El dolorcito de mi china”, by Arsenio Rodriguez, lasts 10 minutes and includes a piano solo full of virtuosity and expressiveness. The peak of keyboard player’s carrer showed no signs of fading, as demonstrated by his versions of “Buenavista guaguancó” and “El negrito ñéngere”, as well as the psychedelic instrumental “Latin Roots”, composed by Harlow himself.

La Raza Latina (1977)

Harlow participó de esta tendencia con un musical, A Salsa Suite, que describe la evolución del género tropical desde África hasta el Caribe, pasando por Nueva York de los años 50 y 60 y culminando con una canción dedicada al futuro. Harlow contrató a Rubén Blades para que fuera su vocalista, aunque este no es su mejor momento. Un disco fallido y breve, pero fascinante en su ambición conceptual. — La Raza Latina (1977)

At the end of the 70s, salsa is fertile ground for grandiloquent experiments of a symphonic character. Harlow participated in this trend with a musical, A Salsa Suite, which describes the evolution of the tropical genre from Africa to the Caribbean, passing through New York of the 50s and 60s and culminating in a song dedicated to the future. Harlow hired Rubén Blades to be his vocalist, although this is not his prime. A failed and brief album, but fascinating in its conceptual ambition.

Larry Harlow presents Latin Fever (1978)

A fines de la década de 1990, cuando el interés por la salsa clásica había ido en aumento, formó la banda Latin Legends con el conguero Ray Barretto y el cantante Adalberto Santiago. Este primer disco cuenta con la participación de Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez (unos años antes de su muerte) e Ismael Miranda. El sonido es cálido y orgánico, enfatizando el conocimiento musical de estos veteranos. Según Harlow, era su banda favorita para tocar en vivo. — Banda de leyendas latinas de Larry Harlow (1998)

Harlow always showed the eclectic trends of a cosmopolitan musician. In 1970, for example, he recorded a rock record in the style of Chicago band with the group Ambergris. In 1978, he produced this fascinating LP by Latin Fever, a group consisting of 14 female singers and instrumentalists. These include percussionist Susan Hadjopoulos, who would become famous with English Joe Jackson, and the singer Ada Chabrier, who also collaborated with Ray Barretto and Willie Colón. A rarity that is worth discovering.

Larry Harlow’s Latin Legends Band (1998)

Harlow continued to record high-quality LPs in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, when the interest in classic salsa had been increasing, he formed the band Latin Legends with conguero Ray Barretto and singer Adalberto Santiago. This first album includes the participation of Pete “El Conde” Rodríguez (a few years before his death) and Ismael Miranda. The sound is warm and organic, emphasizing the musical knowledge of these veterans. According to Harlow, it was his favorite band to play live.

The Jewish Salsa Pianist, Innovative and Irreverent

This day 20 / 8 /2021 and after 32 days hospitalized “El Judío Maravilloso” Larry dies in New York at 12:30 a.m. from complications as a kidney patient that weakened his already weary heart.

Words of his wife Maria Del Carmen Harlow-Kahn

“Mi Amore, you are already free to play your music in the celestial orchestra. Thank you for the honor of accompanying you and loving you till the end of your life.

You will live forever in my heart and in the hearts of all who love your music and your huge legacy, fly high my Wonderful Jew and rest in peace.”

Sources:

Ernesto Lechner de AAPR

Artículo de interés: La voz de Markolino Dimond y su irreverente piano en Funk / Soul & Funk-Disco “The Alexander Review