Mario Rivera (musician)

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Mario Rivera
Birth nameMario Antonio Rivera Manzanillo
Born(1939-07-22)July 22, 1939
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
DiedAugust 10, 2007(2007-08-10) (aged 68)
New York City
GenresLatin jazz
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Saxophone
Years active1960–2000

Mario Rivera (July 22, 1939 - August 10, 2007) was a Latin jazz saxophonist from the Dominican Republic. Besides saxophone, Rivera played trumpet, flute, piano, vibraphone, congas, and drums. [1]

Contents

Career

When Rivera was 22, he moved to New York City from the Dominican Republic and accompanied singer Joe Valle. [1] He spent two years with bandleader Tito Rodríguez. [1] During his career he worked with Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Palmieri, and Machito. [1] In 1988 he became a member of the United Nations Orchestra led by Dizzy Gillespie. [1] He was also a member of the Afro-Cuban Jazz Band led by Chico O'Farrill. [1] From the 1970s to the 1990s he worked with Tito Puente. [1] Both appeared in the films Calle 54 and The Mambo Kings. [1] His only solo album, El Commandante, was released in 1996. [1] Rivera died on cancer on August 10, 2007. [1]

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Willie Colon

With Cheo Feliciano

With Dizzy Gillespie

With Kip Hanrahan

With Conrad Herwig

With Giovanni Hidalgo

With Chico O'Farrill

With Eddie Palmieri

With Tito Puente

With Tito Rodriguez

With Típica 73

With others

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ankeny, Jason. "Mario Rivera". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 July 2019.