Oscar Hernández & Alma Libre
PROJECTS:
Four-time Grammy Award winner and celebrated legendary pianist, Oscar Hernández leader of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, releases his 4th album with his quintet, Alma Libre. This time it was recorded in NYC with some of the most prominent and celebrated musicians of Latin Jazz: Bobby Franceschini (sax/flute), Robby Ameen (drums), John Benitez (bass), and Samuel Torres (congas/percussion).
“Recording this album was an opportunity to connect with my musical family in New York City. It was a joy and a blessing. The musicians are brilliant players and friends that I have a long history with. That made the process natural and easy,” says Hernández.
No Words Needed is comprised of 10 original compositions/arrangements by Hernández . As always, his compositions are fresh, original and innovative. The music as well as the performances on No Words Needed are exciting, brilliant, and truly representative of the Latin music genre at it’s finest. With No Words Needed, as well as his three prior Quintet albums, Hernández continues in Latin Jazz tradition - while showcasing outstanding musical prowess in a more intimate setting.
Hernández cemented his legacy with the formation of Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the 13-piece all star salsa big band he’s helmed since 2005. The three-time Grammy Award winning ensemble is considered one of the worlds’ premier salsa groups. Their most recent release, Imágenes Latinas, was nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album at the 65th Grammy Awards.
PRESS QUOTES:
“From the first downbeat, the performance delivers a welcome kinetic jolt, with Hernández spearheading the churn of a world-class rhythm section.”
WBGO
