Creator of a unique musical style incorporating the best of bebop, classical, and Latin American music, Paquito D’Rivera is one of the finest Latin bop alto saxophonists. This saxophone and clarinet virtuoso and composer has earned international acclaim not only in the studio as a session musician, but also in his solo career, releasing almost 20 albums.
Born on June 4, 1948, in Havana, Cuba, D’Rivera was first introduced to jazz by his father, Tito, who was a classical conductor who also played the tenor saxophone. Tito gave his son his first lessons and found that he was a fast learner. In fact, Paquito was a child prodigy, and by the age of six was performing live in Havana clubs. During those early years the young D’Rivera was influenced by the musical styles of Benny GOODMAN, Paul Desmond, and Charlie PARKER, spending much of his time listening to their recordings on the Willis Conover Jazz Hour radio show broadcast from the U.S.
In 1960, at age 13, D’Rivera entered the Havana Conservatory of Music, where he was to meet one of the musicians who would most influence his career—pianist Chucho Valdes. The following year, D’Rivera was playing professionally in musical theatres. He later became a soloist with Cuba’s National Symphony Orchestra. In 1965, he joined the army for his compulsory military service and played in a military band.
In the early 1970s, D’Rivera and Valdes founded the Orquesta Cubana de Musica Moderna (the Cuban Orchestra of Modern Music). D’Rivera conducted the orchestra for two years, and in 1973 he and seven other orchestra members set up their own group, IRAKERE. This ensemble created a unique sound that combined jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Cuban music. The group launched several successful albums, following them with an international tour.
In 1980, while he was in Spain touring with Irakere, D’Rivera defected, left the band, and went straight to New York. There, he soon established himself as a successful studio musician, working with such greats as Dizzy GILLESPIE, David Amram, and McCoy TYNER. At the same time, D’Rivera launched his solo career, forming his own group, which has toured the U.S., Europe, and South America.
D’Rivera has recorded nearly 20 albums, creating what some consider to be the best of modern Latin music, including Paquito Blowiri (1981), and Live at Keystone Korner (1983). In 1994, D’Rivera joined steel pan legend Andy Narell and vibes/marimba master Dave Samuels on the dynamic instrumental album The Caribbean Jazz Project. In 1996, he teamed up with father and son pianists Chucho and Bebo Valdes for a tribute to Afro-Cuban Jazz, Cuba Jazz.
D’Rivera also plays the soprano saxophone, flute, and flugelhorn. His list of achievements includes being a founding member and musical co-director of Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra and performing with the London Philharmonic. He has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnegie Hall for his contributions to Latin music.
Throughout much of his illustrious career, D’Rivera has spoken out against what is called the “banana republic mentality.” He has gone on record as saying: “There is a little more to Latin music than people dancing around with bananas and pineapples on their heads.” With his unique style, D’Rivera has redefined the parameters of modern Latin music.
Alison Bay
SEE ALSO:
BEBOP; COOL JAZZ; CUBA; LATIN JAZZ.
FURTHER READING
Suarez, V. Latin Jazz (New York: William Morrow, 1989);
Werner, Otto. The Latin Influence on Jazz (Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 1992).
SUGGESTED LISTENING
The Caribbean Jazz Project; Cuba Jazz with Bebo and Chucho Valdes; La Habana-Rio Conexion; Irakere; Live at Keystone Korner; Paquito Blowin’;
Paquito D’Rivera and the United Nations Orchestra: A Night in Englewood; A Taste of Paquito D Rivera; Tico Tico; Why Not.