Albert Rivera

Quotes

• “Albert Rivera Organ Sextet opened Saturday's proceedings, with the tenor-playing leader and band hitting the mark on a slow, sultry "After Hours" and a dramatic original, a brooding reflection on 9/11 called "Remembrance."

  —Sandy Ingham

• “Three young artist (Albert Rivera, Luques and Zaccai Curtis) who are part of the next wave in this jazz ritual.”

  —DownBeat Magazine

• “Rivera has a timeless tenor tone and a special sensitivity on soprano.”

  —Tony Hall
  Jazz Wise Magazine

• “While Rivera's compositions are diverse, these musicians hit the pocket and sustain a powerful group dynamic.”

  —All About Jazz NY

• “A Modern Jazz Messenger!”

  —Owen McNally Hartford Courant

• "Albert Rivera came to town for a show that blew us all away"

  —Ken Laster(Radio Host) - WWUS 91.7

• "Albert and the band played straight ahead jazz the way it was meant to be played. If you weren't there you just MISSED"

  — Stanley Danner (Gerald Veasly Jazz Base)

• "he asserts his more confrontational personality on the smaller, more sensitive-sounding instrument. Rivera’s soprano sound is equally as compelling as his tenor technique; he wrestles a deep, rich tone from the bright, tiny saxophone."

  —Jon Ross - artscriticatl.com

Albert is proud to endorse Vandoren products, Mouthpieces and Reeds! Check out the V16 - T11 spefically made by Bernard Vandoren himself with Albert Rivera in mind! www.Vandoren.com for more info

Albert Rivera is proud to have joined forces and use RS Berkeley musicial instruments!

For More info visit them at www.RSBerkeley.com

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Lakeville Journal Feature | Jazz camp’s 525 musicians keep the beat

KENT — The Litchfield Jazz Camp, held on the grounds of the Kent School, started its 14th session on July 11.

The camp, which is operated by The Litchfield Jazz Festival, offers courses for students from 13-years-old to adult in everything from performance and instruments to jazz history to improvisation, rhythm and music theory.

The camp began a decade and a half ago with only 32 students and a one-week program, according to Lindsey Turner, who is the marketing director for both the festival and the camp.

“This year we have 525 students enrolled,” Turner said. “We have students from all over the country as well as foreign students.”

Musician Don Braden, musical director at the camp, has played with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Betty Carter and Freddie Hubbard, is the musical director for the camp.

“Jazz is such a great thing to study,” Braden said. “It’s the kind of music that is really fun and expressive, yet has quite sophisticated emotional elements that are positive and fun. 

“Also it has a spiritual aspect that involves comradery and teamwork. It all ends up being a great combination.”

Braden said the teaching staff combines rigor and a relaxed approach.

“We don’t live on military time, or break people down with tough love, that’s not our culture,” Braden said. “We all lead from the front. Our main thing is showing our students the way. The camp faculty is made up of professional players.”

Assistant Director Albert Rivera started out as a student at the camp when he was 15 years old.

“Originally I lived in New York City and every summer while I was growing up I came up to the camp,” Rivera said. “I think many of the students come from the city, and when they come up here to Kent they see a whole different lifestyle. They start to understand that life isn’t just about their neighborhood. They learn there is a whole other world out there.”

Rivera said another benefit of the camp is that students meet other musicians, and many of them form friendships and bonds.

“Sometimes students wonder if there are others out there like themselves,” Rivera said. “It comes as a shock to them when they see there are hundreds of other students just like them.” 

Rivera said the camp welcomes all levels and ages. 

“Students also get to see a world-class faculty and professional musicians perform,” he said. “Usually, it takes a trip to New York City and it costs an  arm and a leg to see these guys play.” 

Throughout the summer, the camp will present 30 free concerts in locations in town by jazz camp students and faculty. 

“Jazz is an amazing thing,” Rivera said. “One of the biggest attractions about jazz is that it’s a musical art form that started right here in America. Some parts of jazz are in other kinds of music, including rap, pop and hip hop. I think it will come back to the forefront.”