Review Text
Inner Peace is the latest accomplishment in Rivera's acclaimed musical career. Rivera's first album on Turnaround Records, Re-Introduction, was warmly embraced by critics, who called Albert and his two band mates, Luques and Zaccai Curtis, "three young artists who are part of the next wave in this jazz ritual [DownBeat Magazine]." Inner Peace features nine original Rivera compositions, varying from groove-driven improvisations to tender ballads, including 'The First Time We Said Hello' and "Remembrance", a reflective and emotional 9/11 tribute. A number of prestigious musicians join Rivera on his album, including guitarist Mark Whitfield, bassist Luques Curtis, who also played on Brian Lynch's Grammy-winning Simpatico recording, and pianist Zaccai Curtis, who also played on Papo Vázquez's Grammy-nominated The Mighty Pirates recording. The album also features a group of the finest up-and-coming jazz musicians including Beck Burger on Hammond B3 organ, Jean Caze and Nick Roseboro on trumpet, and John Iannuzzi and Nathan Jolley on drums. Critics have long admired Rivera's original and fluid saxophone style. Tony Hall of Jazz Wise Magazine stated: "Rivera has a timeless tenor tone." Elliott Simon reviewed Rivera's Re-Introduction in All About Jazz, and wrote: "Rivera's compositions are diverse...these musicians hit the pocket and sustain a powerful group dynamic." In 2009, Rivera's compositions garnered him more critical praise when ASCAP awarded him with the prestigious Young Jazz Composer's Award for Greenetones and invited him to perform at the Rose Hall in Lincoln Center at a ceremony honoring the ASCAP jazz award recipients. Inner Peace shows a maturity in Rivera's compositions and playing and is certain to bring great accolades.
