Introduction
Exactly one year ago I received a series of emails from Larry Harlow in which he would encouragedme to write about Salsa music. I had been writing on Salsaweb for a couple of months back then. I wanted
to do more but...no one encouraged me. Then Larry requested me to build him a website. Larry Harlow!
are you kidding me...I would think...Mr. Harlow represents in mind one of the most impressive musicians
in the history of New York Salsa. At the time, I was going crazy about the idea of me breaking into the salsa
industry with Larry Harlow as a client. I mean...his music lives in my car and in my house ever since my
childhood years. I have always had Larry Harlow music.
I'll never forget the first time I saw the Marvelouse Jew perform; It was in 1980 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Larry had a Mano-a-Mano with Papo Lucca and they busted an Old wooden piano on stage. Nestor Sanchez
was singing that evening and Yolanda Rivera from La Sonora Ponceña. It was an evening to never forget.
I can recognize his music any day...just a while back I was at "The Club" with Eileen Torres and Tony Vargas
so Bruno the DJ put on an Old Harlow Song with Gary Carrion singing. I had never heard this song...never...still
I don't even know the title but, I knew it was Larry on piano and by coincidence I recognized Gary Carrion
because Gary is a homeboy from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Gary Carrion also sang with La Mulenze.
Today, I have even more Harlow information including this picture of him and Andy as children. This
other picture of one of the first bands Larry played with. Then there's this one of Fania in their first appearance in
Japan in 1974. I wonder if anyone can name each Fania personality on the picture. Please share your views on the
guestbook. Finally, this one of Alex Masucci, Ralph Mercado, and the late Jerry Masucci.
To view the expanded version of these images just click on them.
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Five Jews In a Pool
Leon Gast, John Fausty, Harvey Averne, Myles Harlow, and
Larry
I promise to get back to main purpose of this introduction. One of the things that I most cherish
in working with Mr. Harlow is his wealth of experience. What little information I can get out of him is
really valuable to me as a Salsero and Information Content Provider (ICP). Make no mistake the Internet will
revolutionize life forever; If you don't believe it than just think of the Clinton case. Internet will also play a
huge role in Salsa why...simple...it's called globalization. The big winners will be musicians out of Cuba that play
for Ten Cents a gig and the losers will be the musicians that expect to be paid more then they are worth.
I plan to be around the internet and beyond.
Larry talks about how to make a band swing and elevate the dancing experience. He says, "I like to gradually
increase the sound and projection of the band so I demand that the Timbalero switch to the cymbals and get off
the bell. Many bands play the mambos on A so it's all the same note. I like to take it up and keep swinging hard .
It's hard work but...it's the beauty and explosion Salsa." This makes me proud to know that I'm associate with
someone that knows and brings a lot to the table. From my experience Harlow is no Betty Crocket... and neither
are the best ones of the industry but I will say one last thing...It's really a pleasure to be associate the Larry. The
experience is very interesting rewarding; I'll never become rich doing this...it was never my intent...I just hope
decency, honesty, and justice prevails.
This diary will include photos of veterans in the likes of Ismael Miranda and Alfredo de la Fé.
Ismael Miranda is a Puerto Rican singer and original of Harlow Orchestra during the late 60's.
He's also known as the Cute boy of the Fania all Stars. True he's not a boy anymore but his voice is
better than ever. Alfredo de la Fé is a Cuban violinist that played with many bands in the 70's
including "La Típica 73". He made a good name for him self for his solos during Charanga Songs.
Currently, he's got legal issues pending in the USA so we won't be seen him for a while but, the with the
internet we can bring him to you. One day we will publish a video of him...Ja Ja Ja. It will also have
daily annecdotes written by Larry himself while he was in Europe. He bought a Laptop PC just so he
could write and keep in contact with Wendy and I. However, Europe is no techis' paradise. However,
he was able to write and that's good because when I lived in Europe...I stayed drunk with all that
wonderful beer, wines, topless society, and hairy armpits...what a life...I Loved it! Specially the Adult
Sauna Parlos. I'd go back to the English Gardens in Munich any day or the the Beach of Costa Brava, in
Spain to eat Paellas, dance salsa with the Flamencas, and drink Sangria. How can I not mention
Barcelona...My God...150 times nicer than Broadway...the gigantic foundain. Anyway, I hope this diary can
shed some light into life and career of one of the best legends alive in the world of Salsa.
As the ICP...I want to highlight Eddie Gua Gua Rivera...my favorite Bassists in Salsa. When I studied music in
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. I would listen to Eddie play a lot. When Eddie played for Apollo Sound I would leave school
to watch "El Show del Medio Dia" on Telemundo without a glitch. When Eddie gets together with Larry its among the
best rhythm combination in Salsa. Eddie! we have never met; so take care, drink prune juice, and buy Fleet Products.
Sam Rodriguez
All technical inquiries can be
emailed to the
sam@salsaweb.com
All material at http://www.salsaweb.com/harlow © 1997 unless specifically noted and agreed upon
Sam Rodriguez