Read the Introduction (Pdf)
Introduction Salsa in New York ugust 1992. Hector Lavoe is putting together a new band, making a comeback after a self-imposed hiatus during which he fought for his life, tried to beat addiction, and, as we would find out later, battled A1 AIDS. A rehearsal is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the basement of the Boys and Girls Harbor School (“Boys Harbor”), located in El Barrio (Spanish Harlem) on the corner of East 104th Street and 5th Avenue, a favorite spot for salsa bands to work out new arrangements. Why? Cheap rates, an out-of-the-way place that fans don’t know about, and a location in the most historically sig- nificant neighborhood for Latin music in New York City. In fact, just blocks from Boys Harbor is where it all began back in the 1930s: Machito, Tito Puente, Eddie and Charlie Palmieri, everyone lived there. Most salsa musi- cians do not live in the neighborhood anymore, although many teach Latin music to kids and novices at the Harbor’s after-school program, one of the few places where 15 bucks will get you a lesson with Tito Puente’s bongocero. Rehearsal begins just shy of 8 p.m. It was delayed while several musicians copped in the neighborhood. Copped what? Blow, perico, cocaine. Other mu- sicians just straggled in late with no explanation, but no real need: No one complains about the late start. It’s par for the course. Regardless of their tardi- ness, everyone who enters the room makes his rounds greeting everyone else.
[Show full text]