ANDY HARLOW: SORPRESA LA FLAUTA

ANDY HARLOW
Andy grew up in a musical environment. His parent's home in Brooklyn, New York was always filled with music of all kinds. His father, Buddy Harlow, was an accomplished string bassist and Orchestra leader. Andy began studying piano at an early age and switched to woodwinds while in Junior High School. By the time he was in High School, Andy was already playing professionally in the New York City area. Andy attended New York University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in EthnoMusicology. He studied saxophone with James Abato
and Joe Allard. He also received another type of education by paying his dues as a sideman in the orchestras of Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Ismael Rivera, Xavier Cougat, Machito and Joe Cuba while attending New York University. Andy taught for the New York City school system while his reputation as an outstanding Latin Jazz instrumentalist and arranger grew. This eventually landed him a recording contract with Fania/Vaya Records, and a membership in The Fania All Stars super Salsa band. Andy's first LP, "Sopressa La Flauta" contained the monster hit "La Loteria" which topped the Latin singles charts for twelve weeks in both New York and Puerto Rico. Andy's musical travels brought him to Miami in the late 1970's, where he continued his success as a Latin/Salsa artist. His group performed at all the local clubs and hotels. Using Miami as a home base, Andy and his new Miami band, "Salsamania", continued touring the U.S. and Latin America. The group has also done many college concerts and Salsa/Latin Jazz workshops throughout Florida. Andy's busy schedule keeps him on the run. Local and out of town engagements with "Salsamania" and guest soloist appearance at Latin Music Festivals all over the globe keep him moving.
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ALBUM COMMENTS
Sorpresa La Flauta, the 1972 solo debut by reeds and vibes player, composer and arranger Andy Harlow on Fania's subsidiary Vaya label garnered a gold disc and spawned "La Lotería", the company's biggest selling 45 rpm to date. His older brother, the already established bandleader, Larry Harlow, produced the album and recommended that Andy adopt a trombanga sound and eschew his main instrument, the sax, to play flute in the band's two 'bones and flute frontline. Talking in detail about the making of the album with me for the Descarga.com piece Interview with a Salsa Brother, Andy revealed sidemen and specific arranger credits omitted from the original vinyl release. These are also given below. "The recording was very well planned up front. We spent a lot of time selecting tunes and assigning arrangers.
Larry, Ismael (Miranda) and I did it together," said Andy. "It was a tremendous break for me and I really put all my energies into it." This is clearly evident from this lovingly remastered reissue, and as Andy adds in his liner notes: "This
classic hard driving New York salsa dura from the '70s can be enjoyed by a whole new generation of salsa lovers as well as my own generation."
Very Highly Recommended. (John Child)
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ANDY HARLOW: Sorpresa la flauta
Label: Fania (USA)
Catalog# 130182
Street Date Oct 24, 2006

SONG TITLES:
1. Ay Que Bueno - Arranger: Javier Vázquez (3:59)
2. Cambia El Paso - Arranger: Mark Weinstein (4:42)
3. Superstar - Arranger: Barry Levitt (3:42)
4. No, Que Va A Llorar - Arranger: Javier Vázquez (4:11)
5. Sorpresa La Flauta - Arranger: Andy Harlow (6:43)
6. Amor Perdido - Arranger: Andy Harlow (2:45)
7. El Primer Montuno - Arranger: Andy Harlow (4:41)
8. La Loteria - Arranger: Mark Weinstein (3:18)

MUSICIANS:
• Andy Harlow: Leader/flute
• Johnny Vasquez: Vocalist
• Pete "El Conde" Rodriguez: Coro
• Adalberto Santiago: Coro
• Ismael Miranda: Coro
• Jose Madrid: Piano
• Alfredo Roddriguez: Piano
• Joe Santiago: Bass
• Louis Kahn: Trombone
• Leopoldo Pineda: Trombone
• Abie Lima: Timbales
• Frankie Rodriguez: Congas
• Dizzy "Izzy" Sanabria : 3 voices on "La Loteria"
• Nicky Marrero: Bongos

DOWNLOAD: AQUI