Spanish Harlem Orchestra
PROJECTS:
Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the three-time GRAMMY® winning Salsa and Latin Jazz band, sets the gold standard for excellence in authentic, New York style, hard core salsa.
Whether in a concert hall or at an outdoor jazz festival, there is no easing you in as they come at you full force, from start to finish. Their energy on stage and their rich sound and musical precision leave audiences mesmerized until the last note is played. With an unwavering respect for the music’s storied history, the ensemble’s thirteen world-class musicians and vocalists come together to create an unparalleled musical experience.
Now celebrating their 20th year, SHO is dedicated to the sounds of the barrio (Spanish Harlem NYC). Their music is characterized by the raw, organic and vintage sound defined by the genre. They are on a mission to keep the musical legacy of salsa dura (hard salsa) alive and expand its audience to those who love great music, not just Latin music. Grounded in the past, while focused on the future, they strive to keep the music relevant, creating a unique and fresh approach.
“As leader and producer, my mission and vision is to represent the great history and legacy of this music that I’ve been blessed to be a part of my entire life,” reflects Hernández. “Our passion and commitment to this music is never ending.” With this unyielding motivation, SHO’s GRAMMY® nominated 2022 release Imágenes Latinas finds the band exploring new dimensions but never deviates from its core belief. “As with all the new SHO recordings, the concept and sound is the same but the playing of new songs, arrangements, and performances always aim to create a new magic for the listeners,” Hernández adds.
With eight albums and six GRAMMY® nominations, this powerhouse orchestra is aware that it is crucial to continually push themselves and raise the bar. Their sixth album entitled Anniversary won the 2019 GRAMMY® Award for Best Tropical Album.
SALSA NAVIDAD
The three-time, GRAMMY® winning Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the finest music ensembles around. They have performed at many of the great performing arts centers, festivals, and venues around the world. Salsa Navidad is a show dedicated to classic Latino/Spanish music as well as select American Christmas classics done in a Latin/Salsa style. Part of the show features the Puerto Rican Christmas style known as “Aguinaldo,” which reflects the sprit and cultural essence of the Caribbean. Most of the band members are Latino and were raised in New York City so they are equally familiar with the American Holiday tradition. The program also features the ensemble’s non-holiday, original music for which they have become so well known for.
PRESS QUOTES:
“One of the most important contemporary Latin music ensembles in existence today.”
Latin Jazz Network
“From start to finish, Spanish Harlem Orchestra flaunts its jazz bona fides without dismissing its statement of purpose.”
DownBeat
“This band reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra”
The New York Times
“From the first downbeat, the performance delivers a welcome kinetic jolt, with Hernández spearheading the churn of a world-class rhythm section.”
WBGO
“The high-energy sound of SHO—in the salsa dura (hard salsa) style—incorporates driving rhythms perfect for the dance floor.”
KCRW
“More than just expert, authentic, tight Latin jazz, it’s a true work of art. And when you hear its infectious rhythms, good luck trying not to move.”
Edmonton Journal
