Wendell Rivera Among Friends

Latin Beat Magazine, March, 2003 by Gilbert Rivera

(WPR Music)

Among Friends, the third and latest release from percussionist/bandleader Wendell Rivera, marks the tenth anniversary of his career as a bandleader. The Buffalo, New York-based Latin jazz outfit incorporates Afro-Caribbean rhythms with melodic and harmonic elements of various jazz forms in its pursuit to explore new possibilities for the genre. Seven out of the eight selections on the CD are original compositions by Rivera and band members Jeff Hermanson (trumpet), Pat Georger (piano), and Dave Schiavone (alto sax). Manhattan, composed by Hermanson, opens with intriguing jazz passages over a steady flow of percussive rhythms, further accented by the commanding trumpet chops of the composer. The Pedro Flores classic Obsesión is the only cover-tune in the CD and it is arranged as an upbeat danceable piece. Equally danceable is the Rivera composition Micaela. Notto be confused with the Pete Rodríguez boogaloo classic by the same name, this selection exhibits a Caleño (Cali, Colombia) feeling. The selections Solar Wind, Buena Fortuna, and El Baile De La Pasión remain true to the group's Latin jazz mission. Completing the group are Mike Hermanson on trombone, Greg Piontek and Hector Diaz on bass, Daniel Antonetti on percussion, John Bacon Jr. on drums, and Ray Matos on vocals. (GR)