Spanish Harlem Orchestra

Latin Beat Magazine, June-July, 2004 by Rudy Mangual

RM: What sets Spanish Harlem Orchestra aside from most other salsa bands presently in the business?

OH: The main thing has to be our sound. With three lead singers in the front and ten musicians backing them up, we are able to produce an unequaled sound and groove. Regardless of comparisons with bigger or smaller ensembles, our combination of instruments and players is superior overall. Everyone in the band is at the top of their game both musically and spiritually. The band is right and we play both as a collective and as soloists. There are other great salsa bands our there, all special in their own way, but like Spanish Harlem Orchestra ... there is no other. We have a lot of fun playing music at a very high level of musicianship.

RM: Who are the core members of the band?

OH: The percussion section includes Pablo "Chino" Nuñez. Bobby Allende and George Delgado. On bass is Maximo Rodríguez even though Rubén Rodríguez recorded the first album and stone of the tracks of the new album as well. The horn section is usually Mitch Frohman, John Walsh, Pete Nater, Dan Reagan and Jimmy Bosch. The singers are Ray De La Paz, Willie Torres and Marco Bermudez: the last two are new to the band replacing Frankie Vásquez who leads Los Soneros Del Barrio and Hermán Olivera who stays busy with Eddie Palmieri's band, among others.

RM: What can you tell me about the band's new recording?

OH: For starters, Rubén Blades sings on four of the tracks as a special guest. I brought him in to sing on three songs and he liked the band so much that he insisted on doing a fourth song. He's in excellent shape and form and in the zone throughout all his interpretations. There are a total of 13 tracks on the new album, which will be titled Spanish Harlem Orchestra: Across 110th Street.

RM: Does this recording surpass the previous one?

OH: There is no doubt in my mind; this recording from a musical point of view is much more superb than the previous one. And the fact that Ruben Blades is on four tracks as well is also a plus. It really exceeded all of my expectations. Just hope that everyone else likes it as well. Joining me on the arrangements are Sonny Bravo, Marty Sheller, Angel Fernández and Gil López. It's scheduled for release on June 15, 2004.

RM: Besides leading Spanish Harlem Orchestra, what else is happening with Oscar Hernández these days?

OH: I'm currently working on a sound track for an HBO movie (a documentary), which represents to me a different challenge. I'm also working with the Latin Giants and The Bronx Horns as well as producing some other records for some other labels. I thank God for staying so busy these days.

The following is a chat with producer and Libertad Records executive Aaron Levinson.

Rudy Mangual: Tell us a bit about Libertad Records? Aaron Levinson: Libertad Records is a new chapter in the history of recording Latin music. For the first time we are building a business model which allows for the artists to have a much greater participation in the process of recording; from its economics to more revenue streams available to them and finally, enjoying ownership of their masters; this last one being the most dramatic difference in the process from most other labels.