Andy Harlow

Andy grew up in a musical environment. His parent's home in Brooklyn, New York was always filled with music of all kinds. His father, Buddy Harlow, was an accomplished string bassist and Orchestra leader. Andy began studying piano at an early age and switched to woodwinds while in Junior High School. By the time he was in High School, Andy was already playing professionally in the New York City area. Andy attended New York University where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in EthnoMusicology. He studied saxophone with James Abato and Joe Allard. He also received another type of education by paying his dues as a sideman in the orchestras of Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez, Ismael Rivera, Xavier Cougat, Machito and Joe Cuba while attending New York University.

Andy taught for the New York City school system while his reputation as an outstanding Latin Jazz instrumentalist and arranger grew. This eventually landed him a recording contract with Fania/Vaya Records, and a membership in The Fania All Stars super Salsa band.

Andy's first LP, "Sopressa La Flauta" contained the monster hit "La Loteria" which topped the Latin singles charts for twelve weeks in both New York and Puerto Rico. This lead to his first of many Latin American tours with his own group "Latin Fever". Three more LP's for Fania produced more hits such as "La Musica Brava", "Tin Tin Deo", "El Campesino"and "No Qe Va a Llorar".

Andy's musical travels brought him to Miami in the late 1970's, where he continued his success as a Latin/Salsa artist. His group performed at all the local clubs and hotels. His composition and recording "Calle Ocho" became the theme song for the now world famous festival held yearly in March, and the record quickly rose to the top of the local radio charts. Using Miami as a home base, Andy and his new Miami band, "Salsamania", continued touring the U.S. and Latin America.

Andy soon found himself involved with local civic, community and government organizations. This lead to a series of musical presentations for local school children, community Hispanic festivals and as a regular in a series of free concerts sponsored by P.A.C.E. (Performing Arts for Community & Education). The group has also done many college concerts and Salsa/Latin Jazz workshops throughout Florida. Andy and his brother, Larry Harlow, finally recorded together in 1988 and "Salsa Brothers" was the result.

Andy hosted a weekly Salsa/Latin Jazz radio show for seven years on WDNA-FM and in 1992 was voted Miami's best Salsa radio show by Miami New Times newspaper's readers poll. He took the show world wide and from 1992 to 1994 he produced and hosted "Salsa Caliente" on the Becker Worldwide Satellite Network. At the same time, Andy began writing music and concert review for the Miami New Times and for Salsaweb internet magazine. 1999 saw the debut of Andy's "La Musica Brava" internet radio show on http://www.eyeqradio.com/. He hosted this live weekly two hour show of latin jazz, classic salsa and Cuban music until December 2000 and then moved the show to a pre-recorded 24/7 "on demand" format at Lamusica.com. In June 2000 "La Musica Brava" moved to it's current site, Andy's own website http://www.andyharlow.com. The show attracts a loyal audience of listeners worldwide.

Andy also kept busy in the Miami recording scene, playing as a sideman and soloist on hundreds of sessions while at the same time he expanded his music and entertainment business "Andy Harlow Orchestras" since he is constantly being called upon by major hotels, convention planners, cruise ship lines, corporations and civic and non-profit organizations to provide an array of talent and services for all types of functions. Andy represents many local and international artists and bands. His company's reputation for personalized service and integrity has been the main reason for its' growth and longevity.

Andy's busy schedule keeps him on the run. Local and out of town engagements with "Salsamania" and guest soloist appearance at Latin Music Festivals all over the globe keep him moving. Recently he has been seen and heard playing sax and flute with his brother's Latin Legends Band at various gigs throughout the U.S.A. and abroard.

Yet, with all the travel, studio gigs, local preformances and business obligations, he still finds time for family, friends, composing, arranging and planning for future projects.