A Masterclass from LARRY HARLOW (October 2000)

How did an Amsterdam salsa band manage that? The truth is, we're still a bit blown away ourselves by the fact, that someone of such world caliber worked intensively with our band for several hours. After all, we ARE talking here about someone who co-created the New York salsa scene, a founder of the Fania All Stars, an established composer, arranger, director and a virtuose piano player!

Two weeks before this happening, one of our band members made contact with Harlow via the internet and received encouraging feed back. When he mentioned coming to the Netherlands in October to take masterclasses, our man asked him whether he'd be interested in meeting the Sabroso team. The answer was: YES!

At the crack of dawn, September the 30th, several of our band members picked him up from Schiphol airport, and managed to keep him well entertained during the weekend. Harlow had mentioned having planned a pretty loose weekend, so it seemed important not to loose him out of sight. Not with him being such juicy prey to any and all stalking salseros!

On Monday the 2nd of October he travelled all the way from Rotterdam to our regular rehearsal night in Amsterdam. "Why do you need me?" was his spontaneous comment after listening to our first piece; a rather tense, replay of his own composition: El Malecon. Of course the "need" became quickly obvious, and during the course of the evening he offered many important pieces of advice, directions and ideas.

The rhythm section especially got the full blast. Besides all his obvious musical talents he proved to have a substantial gift for coaching. In typical American style he would tell us what went well before adding, "But maybe you could do it like this....", followed by yet another demonstration on the timbales, conga, bell or piano. His central motto was: "Music is fun! Play it seriously, but don't take the crap too seriously!" And in all his actions he proved he knew how to do just that. At the end of the rehearsal we all went out for a meal and spend some very relaxing time talking and de-briefing (mostly by the master....). All in all it was a fantastic experience!