from: jsojazzscene.org/cdreviews.htm "The Contender; Diego Rivera, tenor and soprano saxophones. Detroit based Rivera is one of those startling talents whose playing and writing grabs you immediately and holds on tight. With a cast of sizzling colleagues — including Greg Gisbert, trumpet, Michael Dease, trombone, Miki Hayama, piano, Rodney Whitaker, bass, and Ulysses Owens Jr., drums — Rivera states his case with the opening hard bop lines of the title tune. This is followed by “The Pachuco,” a rhythmic feast celebrating the flamboyant hip, in-charge cat in Latin culture. One of three standards on the album, Jerome Kern’s “Yesterdays,” receives a brisk treatment with Gisbert’s trumpet leading the way. Another familiar choice is Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” and Rivera and friends bring some life to it. “The Whit” is a Rivera blues and a good opportunity to hear Whitaker’s full-figured solo. “Silver’s Serenade” is a fine example of Horace Silver’s creativity, albeit not one of his best-known tunes. Once again, Gisbert’s fluid, muscular trumpet wins the day. On all these and several more, Rivera displays exciting technique, heady arranging skills, and chops, man, chops!" Clef Records; 2013, appx. 57 minutes.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 18:34:06 +0000