Palmieri Celebrates 80 Years with New Album

By DownBeat I Feb. 6, 2017

Eddie Palmieri, who turned 80 on Dec. 15, will release *Sabiduria*, his first album since 2006, on Ropeadope Records on April 21.
(Photo: Courtesy of the artist)

Pianist Eddie Palmieri turned 80 years old on Dec. 15, 2016, and the pioneering keyboardist wants to celebrate his eighth decade of life with the gift of new music. Sabiduria, his first project since his back-to-back Grammy wins in 2005 and 2006, will be released by Ropeadope Records on April 21.

Sabiduria is the Spanish word for “wisdom,” a quality with which the octogenarian pianist is deeply familiar, having played and recorded alongside such legends as Thelonious Monk and Herbie Hancock during a career that launched him to the forefront of Latin jazz.

Palmieri was among the first musicians to find commercial and critical success by melding American funk and traditional Latin music, and characteristics of his eclectic background are woven tightly throughout Sabiduria, with funk, soul, jazz and pop all sharing space in the stylistic mix. Palmieri has recruited an equally diverse ensemble to join him in this effort, with appearances by Donald Harrison Jr., Marcus Miller, Alfredo de la Fe, Joe Locke, Johnny Rivero, Ronnie Cuber and David Spinnoza.

“We are honored, humbled, and thrilled to represent Mr. Palmieri and his true spirit of independence,” said Ropeadope CEO Louis Marks. “We encourage you to listen, dance, and celebrate with us the living legend—Mr. Eddie Palmieri—at his top form.”

Born in 1936 in New York, Palmieri was awarded the very first Grammy for Best Latin Recording in 1976, signaling his first of 10 Grammys over the next 30 years. His lyrics and arranging style have influenced countless musicians from a diverse array of settings, including Chick Corea, Ruben Blades, Willie Colon and the Fania All Stars, Christian McBride and hip-hop pioneer Bobbito Garcia.

Also this spring, Ropeadope will be releasing new albums by trumpeter Christian Scott (March 31) and Matthew Stevens (March 24). For more information, visit the label’s website. DB