Portrait

Album Description

"Portrait" is a captivating journey into the mind of jazz legend Sam Rivers, released on January 1, 1995, under the Rivbea Music label. This album is a testament to Rivers' versatility and mastery, spanning genres such as free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde. With a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes, "Portrait" offers an immersive experience through its eight tracks: "Image," "Silhouette," "Reflection," "Mirror," "Vignette," "Shadow," "Visage," and "Profile." Each piece is a unique exploration of sound, showcasing Rivers' prowess on multiple instruments, including saxophone, flute, bass clarinet, harmonica, and piano.

Rivers, a Florida-based saxophonist, has shared the stage with jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Cecil Taylor, and Anthony Braxton. His extensive experience and innovative approach to jazz are evident in every note of "Portrait." The album is a collection of live performances from the Jazz Café in London, recorded in 1993, capturing the raw energy and spontaneity of Rivers' playing. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Portrait" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

1 januari 1995

2015 Rivbea Music

1995 Rivbea Music

About Sam Rivers

Sam Rivers, a titan of the jazz world, was an American multi-instrumentalist and composer whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in Oklahoma in 1923, Rivers was a key figure in the development of free jazz and avant-garde music, known for his virtuosic skills on tenor and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica, piano, and even viola. His innovative approach to composition and performance made him a standout among his peers, collaborating with legends like Miles Davis and Cecil Taylor. Rivers' work was marked by its intensity and communicative power, making even the most complex free-form music accessible to a wide audience. In the 1970s, he pioneered the New York loft-jazz scene, opening the iconic Studio Rivbea, a cultural arts center that became a hub for jazz artists. His prolific career includes numerous albums as a leader and sideman, showcasing his unique musical vision and enduring influence on the jazz landscape.