Portfolio

Latin Beat Magazine, Oct, 1998 by Rudy Mangual

WENDELL RIVERA Portfolio (Les Disque World Class)

This second self-produced CD, Portfolio, from percussionist Wendell Rivera, is a keeper indeed. El Barrio Tune starts the high energy tropical jazz and fiery salsa that is consistent in a total of thirteen tracks.

Otra vez vuelvo a cantar (Once Again I Sing), written by Yolanda Rivera and featuring herself on vocals, is the hot salsa dance tune of the production, reminiscent of her days with La Sonora Ponceña (one of Puerto Ricos legendary salsa bands). Jude's Mood is a hip twisting merengue-jazz which features its composer, Dick Griffo, on the tenor saxophone, and Wendell on congas and percussion.

Morelania, a composition by saxman Ricardo Pons, is a sweet, jazzy ballad which evolves to a guaracha led by the cuatro playing of Yomo Toro. Pa'La Playa (Off to The Beach) is the closing track, composed by timbalero George Padilla, and it is a truly tasty jewel which showcases Melvin Quiñones on alto sax, Raymond Carrero on piano, Padilla on timbales, and Ivan Acosta on the bass. Special guest artists include Yolanda Rivera, Nino Segarra, Yomo Toro, Ralph Irizarry, and Bobby Millitello. Arrangement credits go to José Febles, Luis Perdomo, Ricardo Pons, and George Padilla.