Two Weeks Before Its May 15th Release, The New York Times Is Already Heralding SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA’s New Album United We Swing

“The GRAMMY Winning Ambassadors Of New York’s Classic Salsa Sound Are Praised By The Times’ Sunday Arts & Leisure “Playlist”:

“Swinging to Beats in the Past and Present Tense”¦The Spanish Harlem Orchestra updates the sounds of 1970s salsa on “United We Swing”¦This band reminds you of the excitement that is central to the salsa orchestra”¦ in intricacies of percussion and the breadth of Oscar Hernandez’s arrangements”¦ the record is all righteous pleasure, with booming brass and vocal improvisations”- NY Times, 4/29/07

“[On United We Swing], the 13-piece collective delivers a non-stop volley of pure neo-retro salsa dura that couldn’t possibly be improved upon. Led by pianist Oscar Hernández, SHO takes its cues from the heyday of Tito Puente, Machito and the other revered Latino bandleaders of the mid- to late-20th century. The coordinated horn blasts snap in and out with regularity, the percussion is ceaselessly dizzying, the nuanced solos impressive and the vocalists all engaging. Most of the tunes here are originals, and the arrangements, by Hernández, vocalists Willie Tórres, Ray de la Paz and others, are polished to perfection”¦this is Latin dance music the likes of which is rarely heard anymore, and that is worthy of celebration.” – All Music Guide

The Last Album From Pianist Oscar Hernández’ Razor-Sharp Orchestra Featured Ruben Blades And Captured A GRAMMY For “Best Salsa Album,” Now These Veterans Of New York’s Most Legendary Salsa Outfits Again Bring Listeners Back To The Distinctive Sound Of Spanish Harlem With United We Swing – Featuring Special Guest PAUL SIMON

-Plan Now For Special May 16th Album Release Concert At SOB’s in New York-

As essential as the Funk Brothers were to the sound of Motown, or the Blue Moon Boys (Scotty Moore, Bill Black & D.J. Fontana) were to the early days of Elvis and Sun Records, members of SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA were the ace musicians who worked with the most legendary names of the classic New York salsa scene – including Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe and many more. Under the direction of acclaimed pianist/arranger/producer Oscar Hernández since the year 2000, Spanish Harlem Orchestra has been at the forefront of maintaining the energy, creativity and spirit of true New York salsa. As leading ambassadors of this distinctive New York Latin sound, both of Spanish Harlem Orchestra’s first two records registered GRAMMY nominations, and the second/last of these – Across 110th St, featuring the masterful Ruben Blades – went on to WIN a GRAMMY for “Best Salsa Album”.

Now, after having toured extensively around the world, and with the approach of warm summer nights that just beg for the sounds of salsa in the city streets, Spanish Harlem Orchestra will return with the May 15th release of United We Swing. Marking the band’s debut recording for the innovative independent label Six Degrees Records, United We Swing will feature 13 songs that all act as a magnet for the dance floor – including a special guest appearance by PAUL SIMON. Joining SHO on a new rendition of his classic “Late in the Evening/ Tarde En La Noche,” the legendary New York musician who Time Magazine called “one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century,” shared that “”¦It was a pleasure to work together again with my friend Oscar Hernández. His band Spanish Harlem Orchestra is one of the best musical groups in the business.” – Paul Simon.

To celebrate the release of United We Swing, Spanish Harlem Orchestra plan a special record release celebration on May 16th at SOB’s in New York (media/invite only show at 7PM, followed by a public concert at 10PM). That performance will be followed by further dates in both New York and a tour across the country throughout the summer. Look for full tour date details shortly:

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Previous Quotes About SPANISH HARLEM ORCHESTRA:

“The Spanish Harlem Orchestra plays the swing that epitomizes what this music is about.” -Ruben Blades

“they’re the virtuosic journeymen who are one of New York’s great musical resources”¦ This salsa big band was formed by musicians who backed up salsa’s big names – Tito Puente, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz”¦ [holds] on to all the joys of salsa’s 1960’s and 70’s heyday”¦ the Spanish Harlem Orchestra is making sure that salsa won’t go away ”¦For the [SHO], classic salsa is still here and now.” – New York Times

“the soundtrack to a sweaty summer party in the city. One can almost hear the music and beats reverberating off the cement as they come curling out of a streetside window”¦ The Spanish Harlem Orchestra is a healthy mix of celebrated veterans and talented young lions”¦ they have forged their sound on bandstands around the world and it is remarkable to hear how consistently tight a 13-piece working band can be”¦ Designed for the dance floor”¦ first-rate New York salsa and an excellent example of the genre” -Apple iTunes Editorial Review

“reminding us how thrilling [salsa] can be, especially in the hands of committed New Yorkers.

This is a forceful, finely tuned ensemble of alumni from the great salsa bands of Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon, Ruben Blades and others. Under the direction of pianist and arranger Oscar Hernandez, these seasoned sidemen have been spearheading the current resurgence of classic salsa”¦ To salsa die-hards who know all the words, these songs have the joyful, nostalgic appeal of Beatles tunes. Plus, they make you get up and dance, tap[s] into the good-natured, communal spirit characteristic of salsa at its timeless best. Watching these crack musicians rev up their complex, precision polyrhythms and fire up five-part horn harmonies is as thrilling as riding a horse that suddenly breaks into a gallop. Somebody may have the reins, but the sinewy power is unpredictable”¦a lesson in classic salsa” – Los Angeles Times “

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