A proud throwback to the classic era of Latin jazz big bands, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra formed in 2000 under the tutelage of producer Aaron Luis Levinson and bandleader Oscar Hernandez. Best known as Rubén Blades' piano player and musical director, Hernandez had also worked with everyone from Celia Cruz to Paul Simon. Although the orchestra's lineup is forever shifting, Hernandez usually sticks to the traditional lineup of himself on piano, a bassist, a trio of drummers and percussionists, and a five-man front line consisting of two trumpeters, two trombonists, and a saxophone and flute player. A trio of male vocalists starring lead singer Ray de la Paz completes the orchestra. ~ Stewart Mason