Albert Rivera was introduced to jazz at LaGuardia’s High School for Performing Arts. In 2005, he received a degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music from New School University Jazz and continued his studies. He has performed at many New York venues, including Sweet Rhythm, Zinc Bar and Cleopatra’s Needle. Jay Clayton, Rene Marie, and Sheila Jordan are his vocal partners because of their love for working with singers. He was accompanied by Junior Mance, his mentor at New School and pianist, for a special appearance at The Litchfield Jazz Festival in 2005. He returned to the festival in 2008 with the Winard Harper Sextet. Down Beat called Albert’s band “part the next wave of this jazz ritual.” Owen McNally, Connecticut’s jazz critic, called him “A Modern Jazz Messenger.” He was awarded the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award 2009. from http://litchfieldjazzfest.com
