by John BushEddie Palmieris supergroup Harlem River Drive was the first group to really merge black and Latin styles and musicians, resulting in a free-form brew of salsa, funk, soul, jazz, and fusion. Though it was led by pianist Palmieri, the group also included excellent players from both the Latin community (his brother Charlie, Victor Venegas, Andy Gonsalez) and the black world (Bernard Pretty Purdie, Ronnie Cuber). Named as an ironic reference to the New York City street which allowed predominantly suburban drivers to bypass East Harlem entirely on their way to lower Manhattan, Harlem River Drive released their groundbreaking debut album in 1970 on Roulette, including Latin and underground club hits like the title track and Seeds of Life. Unfortunately, Harlem River Drive was their only album, though the group did appear co-billed on Eddie Palmieris two-part 1972 release, Live at Sing Sing, Vols. 1-2.