- Audio CD (22 May 2006)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: CD
- Label: Stateside
- ASIN: B000B5QD1E
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 30,103 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Like a lot of Latin fusions, this record manages to cram a whole load of jazz, funk and latin styles into the mix so that the music teems with sound and variety. Sometimes this just doesn't work but here it certainly does, as the final track shows excellently.
Despite the amount going on, the record is actually very relaxed and largely a very layed back set. The reason for this, i suppose, is the subject matter. It is a celebration of Harlem as a place in 1970, but of course raises questions about the communities problems. Having said this, it is not a particularly political album but a fairly light offering.
Most of the tracks feature vocals which sound incredibley similar to those that crop up in some of Santana's work. There are similarities in other elements of the sound - drawn out latin interludes between vocals etc. - but the sound focuses more on the use of horns and percussion, with accompanying heavy bass. So, a cross between Santana and some of Palmieri's other work. The highlight is definitely the up-tempo 'Seeds of life'.
Well worth it, a strong offering from Palmieri with no weak links and a great fusion of the Latin, soul, jazz and funk scene going on in New York at the time.
Despite the amount going on, the record is actually very relaxed and largely a very layed back set. The reason for this, i suppose, is the subject matter. It is a celebration of Harlem as a place in 1970, but of course raises questions about the communities problems. Having said this, it is not a particularly political album but a fairly light offering.
Most of the tracks feature vocals which sound incredibley similar to those that crop up in some of Santana's work. There are similarities in other elements of the sound - drawn out latin interludes between vocals etc. - but the sound focuses more on the use of horns and percussion, with accompanying heavy bass. So, a cross between Santana and some of Palmieri's other work. The highlight is definitely the up-tempo 'Seeds of life'.
Well worth it, a strong offering from Palmieri with no weak links and a great fusion of the Latin, soul, jazz and funk scene going on in New York at the time.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
13 reviews
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
An Absolutely must have....Latin/Jazz album of considerable brilliance!!!
23 Jun 2006
Format:Audio CD
If (Like me), you're only familiar will Eddie Palmieri (or "Charlie Palmieri"), via either's solo work, this will come as something as a slight shock, recorded originally in back in the 70's with a full band, This recording has been given a new lease of life, by the recent re-release of this seminal cd. This has the opportunity of inticing a new slew of fans, such is the brilliantly performed and arranged material here, that anyone with a passing interest in Latin, Funk, and Afro-Cuban Jazz, simply must check this out.
The Running time is only a partly 30 mins, but such complaints do prove to be somewhat redundant, as one listen to the performances contained here, will make such quibbles regarding its length seem foolish. This is the perfect example of the sound of Latin Americans migrating to North America, and becoming influenced by ther new surroundings and forming groups, and then performing/recording expressive and passionate music that not only touches upon the roots of latin music, but sounds like it was influenced by Black music such and R&B and early Soul. Because there is so much energy, modal musical shapes, rhythmic precision and melodic arrangements, that it's truly a wonder that this Cd, hasn't had the widespread recognition and praises heaped upon it, like some of the more universally recognised Jazz/Latin albums out there.
The Percussion throughout is sublime, and it highlights Eddie & Charlie's composition and arrangement skills to the fore, and if you've never given Eddie's (or indeed Charlies) other work the time of day, then I assure you, after listening to this staggering work, you'll certainly be inclined to seek out more of their work. As it takes on an almost experimental and improvisational feeling, moving effortlessly from mood, groove, feel and texture. multi-dimensional percussion sections, coupled with brass-heavy horn sections, and carefree guitar and ethereal keyboard work. Not that this album is anything less than accessible, which it frequently is...it's just that, this feels like a Special moment in time, when all the musicians are perfectly in synch with each other and remain musically locked into each other then and are Instinctually feeding off each other, you should take this opportunity to hear a exceptional one-off spectaclular performance, fron a band that would never (seemingly) follow up this landmark album. And it's a classic, not just purely for how breathtaking brilliant it was, but also for the fact that some 30 years later, it still sounds as innovative and essential as it did in the 70's. A must have release
The Running time is only a partly 30 mins, but such complaints do prove to be somewhat redundant, as one listen to the performances contained here, will make such quibbles regarding its length seem foolish. This is the perfect example of the sound of Latin Americans migrating to North America, and becoming influenced by ther new surroundings and forming groups, and then performing/recording expressive and passionate music that not only touches upon the roots of latin music, but sounds like it was influenced by Black music such and R&B and early Soul. Because there is so much energy, modal musical shapes, rhythmic precision and melodic arrangements, that it's truly a wonder that this Cd, hasn't had the widespread recognition and praises heaped upon it, like some of the more universally recognised Jazz/Latin albums out there.
The Percussion throughout is sublime, and it highlights Eddie & Charlie's composition and arrangement skills to the fore, and if you've never given Eddie's (or indeed Charlies) other work the time of day, then I assure you, after listening to this staggering work, you'll certainly be inclined to seek out more of their work. As it takes on an almost experimental and improvisational feeling, moving effortlessly from mood, groove, feel and texture. multi-dimensional percussion sections, coupled with brass-heavy horn sections, and carefree guitar and ethereal keyboard work. Not that this album is anything less than accessible, which it frequently is...it's just that, this feels like a Special moment in time, when all the musicians are perfectly in synch with each other and remain musically locked into each other then and are Instinctually feeding off each other, you should take this opportunity to hear a exceptional one-off spectaclular performance, fron a band that would never (seemingly) follow up this landmark album. And it's a classic, not just purely for how breathtaking brilliant it was, but also for the fact that some 30 years later, it still sounds as innovative and essential as it did in the 70's. A must have release
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Beautiful, Unexpected
27 Sep 2007
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm sitting here. I just unwrapped and listened to this album for the first time after getting it in the mail from Amazon. I can't move. I can't think. I am having a bit of trouble breathing. I don't know what to say. I am blown away. Every other song I've listened to in the following minutes, by other folks in all kinds of other genres, has sounded elucidated, beautified, more unique in itself. Something very rare has happened on this recording.
Attempts at musical fusion generally follow one of the two following courses: 1) they fail; or 2) they succeed, the music is "good," but nothing was really FUSED -- the components drawn from each style stand separate from each other. On this recording, the music suffers neither fate. A unique and captivating music is all that you will hear and feel. And not only does this album fuse genres, but it fuses other musical notions as well. For example, in "Broken Home" it combines atmospheric music with a very attention-demanding style -- that is, atmospheric music that is not for ambiance (note the pun on the literal meaning of "ambiance").
The writers and performers who created this music have shared their vision, an understanding of place, people, and sound. I recommend the experience.
Attempts at musical fusion generally follow one of the two following courses: 1) they fail; or 2) they succeed, the music is "good," but nothing was really FUSED -- the components drawn from each style stand separate from each other. On this recording, the music suffers neither fate. A unique and captivating music is all that you will hear and feel. And not only does this album fuse genres, but it fuses other musical notions as well. For example, in "Broken Home" it combines atmospheric music with a very attention-demanding style -- that is, atmospheric music that is not for ambiance (note the pun on the literal meaning of "ambiance").
The writers and performers who created this music have shared their vision, an understanding of place, people, and sound. I recommend the experience.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
What a discovery!
24 Mar 2012
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love diving into the music archives on Amazon. Thanks to their recommendations and customer reviews I can discover amazing albums like Harlem River Drive. Wow! I can only agree with the other raves; this album is a fantastic fusion of jazz, salsa, and soul. No, it's not a long album, but every song has that special feeling. Play "Seeds of Life" --- and play it loud -- and appreciate this genius blend of styles.
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