Eddie Palmieri: Harlem River Drive Revisited

Hear the radio episode: 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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[@pinkyhanchard3961]

Thanks to Eddie Palmarie for revisiting our music live live from Sing Sing with Harlem River Drive I am one of the original singer Jimmy Norman aka Geechee Man Lorene Hanchard and All Taylor

[@javiermahecha7317]

La Fusión del Jazz Latino con El Bluz o Jazz AfroAmericano que sensación Tan extremamente Agradable que Placer🎉❤

[@alfiealvarado3948]

Another great day in Harlem. So beautiful when it's done with great Music and Love. Gracias Eddie and all the Musicians and Singers. That was a fabulous concert!

[@alfiealvarado3948]

PS Correction: Little Johnny is on congas/bongos and Nicholas Marrero Jr.is on percussion/timbales.

[@pinkyhanchard3961]

I am the original back ground singer this song was written by Jimmy Norman lead singer and Lorene Hanchard and All Taylor we were backup singers this was the time of the uprising of the prisoner of the Sing Sing Up State Kingston NY 😁 this is Lorene Hanchard

[@neptaligonzalez4239]

Sobran los comentarios, Eddie Palmieri es sin lugar a dudas una leyenda viviente de la música afrocaribeña y el latin jazz, es indiscutiblemente "El Sol de la Música Latina" !!

[@hectornegron9155]

Regards from Puerto Rico to Harlem, my old hood which I forever will love. Be blessed y'all.

[@pacorodriguez1394]

This was Excellent! Kudos to Eddie and the musicians.

[@almart8991]

The great Bernard Purdie on drums. Eddie and Bernard, true legends...

[@Geohhh]

I'm 30. I love Harlem River Drive. What a pleasure to hear this music live performing so many years after the release!!

[@russmiliotto2757]

Terrific

[@hrny7051]

Wow ..Eddie Palmieri a genius .

[@ikelove8775]

Still rocking....2021

[@josemanuelvargaszarate1595]

magistral maestro tremendo

[@annacarrion]

Sunday Mood & Forever ¡!! Eddie Palmieri

[@isanchezcoll]

Fabuloso....

[@TheCervelo100]

Stunning

[@rafapalacios4238]

Tremenda cura caballero!!

[@539pj]

Legendary!! Happy I was actually here to witness this I hope they have another one this year

[@goosemanny]

"Pequeño Johnny" and Nicky Marrero, son dos grandes de la percusion. El fabuloso Eddie palmieri es un gigante.

[@hachecamus55]

maravilloso

[@mariocid6045]

Ánimo !!!

[@silkyrobinson5079]

Wow... I was thinking of the great Bobby Humphrey album.

[@joselara-rx8yb]

"From 125th Street To a bridge called GW Several shades of living From diamonds to mud A gate way to the city Just a few miles away An Express way to the country Where we all allowed to play Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He We see all kinds of people Cruse along the drive From big wig politicians To those who have no lives From garbage in the ghettos To the doormen in the Heights From Super cool hustlers To the death Screams in the nights Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He Harlem River Drive Harlem River Drive He

[@alyssiaalexandria3553]

Yes!

[@raulroca4694]

Esta musica me introduce en el Nueva York underground.

[@josearturopantaruiz8311]

Magnífico

[@kelq1297]

How did I not know this was taking place in Central Park? Damn!!!!

[@alfiealvarado3948]

It was in Harlem at Marcus Garvey Park.

[@felipearroyave6804]

King Salomon my repect.....

[@isanchezcoll]

Puro FUNKY...

[@JesusLopez-jp7rn]

Agarren nota los que puedan dudar.oigan. que Eddie es el más grande..música de las alturas..donde lo pongan.con el estilo .que quieran. .que clase la del maestro.como se lucen esos músicos.bello.concierto..que grandes músicos.dios mio

[@albertdiaz8730]

Is that Bernard Purdie on the kit ?

[@nicktorres6596]

Yesss, he played in the original recording

[@pablog3667]

Is there a Cd album or LP of this ?

[@edlugo4224]

Flacko navaja