Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera – With Just A Word (2024) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · February 2, 2024 · Comments off

Saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera speaks with a clear message on his latest album “With Just A Word” on Posi-Tone Records. Drenched in soulful melodies and mesmerizing improvisations, this engaging album showcases Rivera’s unparalleled mastery of the saxophone, captivating listeners with its rich, evocative soundscapes. Rivera seamlessly blends traditional jazz influences with innovative contemporary arrangements that transcend the boundaries of conventional jazz, delivering a captivating fusion of vibrant rhythms and poignant harmonies that resonate with the essence of human emotion. “With Just A Word” is an exploration of musical storytelling at its finest, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the heartfelt narratives woven into every note. Each song is a story that speaks directly to Rivera’s dedication to crafting an unparalleled musical experience, leaving an indelible mark on the contemporary jazz landscape. Listeners are encouraged to experience the magic of Diego Rivera’s musical brilliance as he invites us all along on a sonic adventure that will leave us spellbound and yearning for more.

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Diego Rivera – Love and Peace (2023) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · March 1, 2023 · Comments off

Diego Rivera is a world-class tenor and soprano saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator. He teaches in and serves as Associate Director of Jazz Studies at Michigan State University. He is also director of the award-winning ensemble MSU Jazz Octet 1. Rivera possesses a direct, robust tone that recalls the emotive “tough tenor” era of Johnny Griffin and Gene “Jug” Ammons; one can also hear the tonal influences of Ben Webster and the modal approach of John Coltrane in his soprano playing.

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Diego Rivera – Indigenous (2021) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 20, 2022 · Comments off

Bandleader and saxophonist extraordinaire Diego Rivera explores the “Indigenous” multi-cultural roots of our human family with his second release for Posi-Tone Records. With a program of exciting original compositions, a few tasty covers, and a special guest appearances by trumpet virtuoso Etienne Charles, this whole session swings swiftly into action and shines with bright moments from the get go. Also on the date is an all-star rhythm section of pianist Helen Sung, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Donald Edwards. With the deep emotionality of this musical offering, Diego Rivera has noticeably advanced his intention and expression up onto another level and the poignancy of these performances will entreat jazz enthusiasts everywhere to dig deeper into the “Indigenous” message with amazement and delight.

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Diego Rivera – Connections (2019) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 20, 2022 · Comments off

Tenor saxophonist Diego Rivera connects all the dots with a wide pallet of colors on his aptly entitled new release “Connections.” The album’s exciting musical program features brilliant original compositions and amazing arrangements of contemporary classics spread over a wide oeuvre of jazz styles. Rivera bristles with energized enthusiasm as he confidently demonstrates his stunning melodic command over his instrument. The bandleader is supported on the recording by an amazing collection of musicians, including trombonist extraordinaire Michael Dease, trumpet genius Joe Magnarelli, award-winning saxophonist Lauren Sevian, rookie sax man Markus Howell, talented newcomers Jocelyn Gould on guitar, pianist Luther Allison, and bassist Endea Owens, as well as the ever amazing Jason Tiemann on drums. Connections clearly announces Rivera as an important new voice that deserves attention. We are excited for our listeners to discover the joyous and wonderful performances that demonstrate the breadth and depth of Rivera s amazing musical “Connections.”

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Diego Rivera – Mestizo (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz]

Studio Masters By admin · December 17, 2022 · Comments off

Diego Rivera - Mestizo (2022) [Official Digital Download 24bit/88,2kHz] Download

When thinking about the term “mestizo” and the “mestizaje”, one might believe that they mean nothing more than the mixing of two races. Up until the 20th century, the meaning of the term was meant to be derogatory towards people of mixed race, especially when the Spanish began to interbreed with the native and indigenous people of Latin America. The term has since carried a more positive connotation, seen as a sense of pride for one’s cultural background and heritage. By the year 1910, nearly half of the population in Mexico was considered “mestizo”, stemming from the indigenous and Spanish populations. Even though they were part Spanish, there was still a rift between the full-blood, upper class Spaniards, and the working class mestizaje and indigenous people. As this divide continued to grow, tensions also began to rise between the upper class and lower class societies. This set the stage for a revolution and change not only politically, but within all aspects of life in Mexico.
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