Eddie Palmieri: Harlem River Drive Revisited

Hear the radio episode: https://n.pr/2gVykwm

In 1971, legendary pianist, composer, and bandleader Eddie Palmieri put out a formative album called Harlem River Drive. In the heat of racial turbulence, its lyrics addressed inequality brought against Puerto Ricans by the city of New York. It was a form of protest and a political commentary on social justice issues for the people of El Barrio, East Harlem.

Though the Latin funk classic didn't take off in the early '70s, it later became an underground classic. With songs that clearly stand the test of time, it continues to gain notoriety and is still relevant today.

Almost 50 years after its release, Eddie Palmieri packed a Harlem amphitheater in the rain. No one had heard Harlem River Drive on stage in decades until now. This edition of Jazz Night In America highlights a very special moment in history.

SKIP TO:
1:13 - "Harlem River Drive"
7:45 - "Seeds of Life"
13:53 - "Comparsa"

Recorded on May 21, 2016 at the Red Bull Music Acedemy Festival New York in Harlem, NY.

MUSICIANS
Eddie Palmieri (piano/bandleader)
Arturo Ortiz (keyboard/musical director)
Kelli Sae (lead vocals)
Keyontia Hawkins (vocals)
Solomon Hicks (vocals/guitar)
Flaco Navaja (vocals)
Josette Newsam-Marchak (vocals)
Chris, Turner (vocals)
Louis Fouché (tenor/alto saxophone)
Javier Olivencia (baritone saxophone)
Jimmy Bosch (trombone)
Jonathan Powell (trumpet)
Itamar Thomas (trumpet)
Andres Abenante (guitar)
Zaccai Curtis (fender rhodes)
Luques Curtis (bass)
José Claussell (percussion)
Little Johnny (percussion/timbales)
Nicholas Marrero Jr. (congas/bongos)
Camilo Molina (drums)
Bernard Purdie (drums)

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