Mario Rivera (musician)


Mario Rivera was a Latin jazz saxophonist from the Dominican Republic. Besides saxophone, Rivera played trumpet, flute, piano, vibraphone, congas, and drums.

Career

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

Discography

As leader

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