Harlem Speaks
Over the years, committed Harlem musicians, jazz fans, political and civic leaders, and high profile board members including Dr. Billy Taylor and Wynton Marsalis have kept the National Jazz Museum in Harlem alive and expanding. At the beginning of this month, the museum's new visitor center opened on 104 E. 126th St. When you step off the subway at Lexington Avenue and 125th Street, you'll witness Harlem's 2nd renaissance taking place with brownstones restored to their original grandeur along with a burgeoning shopping and entertainment district. Legendary jazz pianist and Duke Ellington mentor, Willie "The Lion" Smith's quote: "I'd rather be a fly on a lamppost in Harlem than a millionaire anywhere else" is still relevant today. Outside of New Orleans, no community has nurtured jazz more than Harlem. Duke Ellington, Benny Carter, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Charles Mingus, Count Basie, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday all had roots here. On July 24th, as part of the Harlem Speaks Series, Edy Martinez, a Columbian pianist will appear in the visitor center from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. to answer questions from the audience and perform free of charge. Born in the south Columbian town of Pasto, Edy will share his life experiences beginning with no formal musical training to eventually working as keyboardist and arranger for Tito Puente. Despite his success, Edy never forgot his Columbian roots and worked hard promoting the development of Columbian jazz by booking concerts and recording sessions with budding young musicians. Despite many obstacles, he recorded and produced "Privilegio," Columbia's first Latin jazz CD ever.