Jazz Articles about Alex Diaz y Son de la Calle

Alex Diaz y Son de la Calle: Merengue Jazz King: Dedicated to Mario Rivera

by Jerry D'Souza
September 22, 2010

Conguero Alex Diaz marries the heady rhythms of meringue to the harmony and sway of jazz as he pays tribute to Mario Rivera, the “King of Merengue Jazz." Rivera was an exceptional musician who played 24 instruments. Born in the Dominican Republic, he moved to the United States, and soon began playing with Tito Puente, Dizzy Gillespie and Sonny Stitt, among others. He also led his own bands, including The Mario Rivera Sextet and the Salsa Refugees. Rivera succumbed to ...