Albert Rivera

Saxophonist • Composer • Educator 

Originally from the Bronx, NY Albert Rivera has carved out a multi-faceted career as a performer, composer, and educator. His path began at New York City’s LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and the New School University Jazz Conservatory, where he began developing a sound that Tony Hall of Jazz Wise Magazine described as a “timeless tone.” Today, he balances his life on the road with his role as the Director of Operations for the Litchfield Jazz Camp and Festival, leading the same program that served as a cornerstone of his own musical upbringing.

Rivera is equally at home on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, with a style shaped by the influence of greats like John Coltrane and Joe Henderson. Critics have taken notice of both his playing and his writing; as Elliott Simon noted, “Rivera’s compositions are diverse (and his) musicians hit the pocket and sustain a powerful group dynamic.” Often called a “modern Jazz Messenger,” Albert stays busy performing across the country and remains a regular fixture in New York City with appearances at The Blue Note, Zinc Bar, Smalls Jazz Club, and countless others.

His work is defined by a wide range of collaborations. He was a member of legendary pianist Junior Mance’s Quintet and has performed with artists such as Claudio Roditi, Don Braden, Avery Sharpe, and the Curtis Brothers. His credits also include work with Nicole Zuraitis, Rachel Z, and Christian Scott, along with festival appearances alongside faculty stars like Matt Wilson, Paul Bollenback, and others. As a leader, he has released four albums featuring some of the premier players in jazz today.

Outside of performing, Rivera is a dedicated educator and clinician. His inventive approach to the music business was profiled in DownBeat Magazine’s feature “Enterprising Energy,” which highlighted his success in bridging the gap between artistic performance and arts administration. Whether through summer intensives at the Miami Arts Charter School or his long-term residency work with Litchfield Performing Arts, he remains a frequent guest lecturer and clinician both in the U.S. and abroad.

Albert’s contributions have been recognized with the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award, the Chamber Music America Residency Grant, and the 2021 New York City Artist Corps Grant. He is a proud endorser of Vandoren Mouthpieces, Reeds, and Ligatures, as well as RS Berkeley Virtuoso Saxophones.

For more information, visit: www.AlbertRiverajazz.com

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All photos by James Korn