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Entertaining 2007 release, a 15-track musical hybrid that shows Harlem is as much a mood as it is a community of interlaced cultural traditions. And the mood is definitely upbeat, with an all-star ensemble celebrating the storied neighborhood through a virtual radio show (with narrations by spoken word artist Mums) that presents a new Harlem Renaissance of Jazz, R&B, Funk, Rap, Klezmer and Latin Music. A brilliant core band featuring drummer Steve Barrios, bassist Ruben Rodriguez, keyboardist Eddy Martinez, guitarist Carlos Alomar, clarinetist Don Byron, and trumpeter Steven Bernstein. They are joined on various tracks by singers Taj Mahal, Queen Esther, Olu Dara, and James Hunter. The sonic challenge of mixing acoustic and electric instruments with turntables and electronic programming is well met, with each track assuming unique aural character: from deep, wide, and cleanly defined, to deliberately compressed and almost airless. A fat bottom end accents the grooves while keyboards, vocals, and guitars benefit by warm mids. Rope-A-Dope.
CONDITION: NEW
TRACK LISTING
1. Intro
2. One For Jackie
3. Rigor Mortis
4. Reefer Man
5. Harlem River Drive
6. Bei Mir Bist Du Schon
7. MuMs' Interlude
8. It's Just Begun
9. Mambo A La Savoy
10. A Rose In Spanish Harlem
11. One For Malcolm
12. Lil' Bit
13. Think
14. A Rose In Spanish Harlem
15. Walking Through Harlem
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