Mario Rivera (July 22, 1939 - August 10, 2007) was a Latin jazz saxophonist from the Dominican Republic. Besides saxophone, Rivera played trumpet, flute, piano, vibraphone, congas, and drums.

Career

When Rivera was 22, he moved to New York City from the Dominican Republic and accompanied singer Joe Valle. He spent two years with bandleader Tito Rodríguez. During his career he worked with Mongo Santamaria, Eddie Palmieri, and Machito. In 1988 he became a member of the United Nations Orchestra led by Dizzy Gillespie. He was also a member of the Afro-Cuban Jazz Band led by Chico O'Farrill. From the 1970s to the 1990s he worked with Tito Puente. Both appeared in the films Calle 54 and The Mambo Kings. His only solo album, El Commandante, was released in 1996. Rivera died on cancer on August 10, 2007.

Discography

As leader

As sideman

With Willie Colon With Cheo Feliciano With Dizzy Gillespie With Kip Hanrahan With Conrad Herwig With Giovanni Hidalgo With Chico O'Farrill With Eddie Palmieri With Tito Puente With Tito Rodriguez With Típica 73 With others