Albert Rivera and Curtis Brothers at Studio
@ Billings Forge
Albert Rivera (HANDOUT / January 6, 2009)
In what might well be one of the hottest jazz events of the chill winter season, Albert Rivera, a young, formidable, Bronx-based saxophonist, combines forces with Hartford’s gifted Curtis Brothers Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. at The Studio @ Billings Forge, the city’s newest performance and exhibition space.
Rivera has developed a loyal local following through his appearances at venues ranging from West Hartford’s Szechuan Tokyo Restaurant to Hartford’s La Paloma Sabanera when it was owned by the Cotto family and was for a few golden years one of the most exciting jazz spots in town.
As a composer in search of new sounds, Rivera uses the modal aspect of John Coltrane’s music as a creative launching pad, mixing this strategy with a variety of grooves and rhythms. For his performance at The Studio, a new multi-purpose community space on Broad Street, Rivera leads his quintet featuring pianist Zaccai Curtis, bassist Luques Curtis, trumpeter Jean Caze and drummerJohn Iannuzzi.
The Curtis brothers are featured on Rivera’s recent album, "Re-Introduction" (Turnaround), a sparkling blend of smart, swinging sounds.
Curtis is also the bass player for vibraphonist Gary Burton’s newest incarnation of Generation bands. Curtis’ instrumental and compositional skills are featured on the group’s acclaimed CD "Next Generation."
Caze, Rivera’s collaborator on the front line, was winner of the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition and the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition.
For a preview of the Rivera concert, check out "Re-Introduction." It ranges from fine and mellow on "New View" to robust and wailing on "My Way of Saying It," a syncopated statement of the saxophonist/composer’s artistic credo.
One track, "The New York-Hartford Connection," is a celebration of the New York-based saxophonist’s productive alliance with Hartford and Hartford-based musicians. On that track, he is joined by tenor saxophonist Jimmy Greene, yet another of Hartford’s great gifts to contemporary jazz.
The Studio @ Billings Forge is at 563-565 Broad St., near the Firebox Restaurant. Admission: $10, adults; $7, students.
