"Eddie Palmieri’s influence on the world of modern music is often celebrated, but just as often underestimated. As he completes his 80th year with us, his energy and commitment seem to be increasing, as if to fully emphasize the power of not just the music but also the cross-cultural importance of the process. With no sign of slowing, Mr. Palmieri is the elder of a global culture of musicians, actively teaching young students and leading the way for the next generation. And now Mr. Palmieri brings to the world his first project since his back to back Grammy wins in 2005/2006 - SABIDURÍA. Sabiduría is the Spanish word for WISDOM, and the message is clear from the outset that wisdom is the exalted value that should guide us all. His intent with Sabidurí a, as it has been with all of his recordings, is to create art that will be analyzed and understood well beyond his time.

Many elements of style can be found within the experience of SABIDURÍA - funk, soul, jazz and pop are all present alongside the guiding force of rhythm. This is music you can sit to, drive to, and of course, DANCE to. The album features appearances from Donald Harrison Jr, Marcus Miller, Alfredo de la Fe, Joe Locke, Johnny Rivero, Ronnie Cuber, and David Spinnoza. SABIDURÍA may well be the best Latin Jazz record ever made, and when the dance is over we will let history decide."

FEATURING:

Eddie Palmieri
Little Johnny Rivero
Anthony Carrillo
Luisito Quintero
Luques Curtis
Jonathan Walsh
Louis Fouche
Jonathan Powell
Jeremy Powell
Camilo Molina

With Special Guests:

Donald Harrison
Obed Calvaire
Ronnie Cuber
David Spinozza
Joe Locke
Marcus Miller
Bernard Purdie
Alfredo de la Fe

"In 1971, pianist, composer and bandleader Eddie Palmieri put out a formative album called Harlem River Drive. Written in the heat of racial turbulence, its lyrics addressed the inequality Puerto Ricans faced in New York City. The album served as a form of protest, as well as 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. Its enduring songs remain relevant today.
Forty-five years after its release, Eddie Palmieri packed a Harlem amphitheater in the rain. No one had heard Harlem River Drive performed on stage in decades, until now. This edition of Jazz Night In America highlights that special moment." WBGO News
PERFORMERS
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), Igmar Thomas (trumpet), Andres Abenante (guitar), Zaccai Curtis (Fender Rhodes), Luques Curtis (bass), José Claussell (percussion), Little Johnny Rivero (congas/bongos), Nicky Marrero Jr. (percussion/timbales), Camilo Molina (drums), Bernard Purdie (drums).