Diego Rivera: Ofrenda

El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a time to honor deceased loved ones. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, many other cultures have embraced the tradition. One of its traditional features is an ofrenda, which is a traditional altar, generally placed in the home, containing several different items ranging from food to religious items. To an outsider, the celebration might seem somber and mournful, but this is not entirely the case. El Dia de los Muertos is often seen as a celebration that ranges from melancholy to humorous as families and loved ones recount stories of the departed to remember and pay tribute. Saxophonist Diego Rivera's Ofrenda presents a musical tapestry of images and feelings associated with the ofrenda.

Rivera has established himself as one of the foremost tenor saxophone players in jazz. His career spans over twenty years as a performer, composer and educator. He is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at The University of Texas at Austin, and Ofrenda is his eighth release for Posi-Tone. The album features Rivera performing with some of Posi-Tone's finest performers, including Art Hirahara on piano, Rudy Royston on drums and Boris Kozlov on bass, along with Terell Stafford on trumpet. Not only are these players top musicians in their own right, they have a history of playing together, and the chemistry is noticeable throughout the recording.

The selections featured on Ofrenda capture the essence of El Dia de los Muertos. Rivera captures a sense of reflection and celebration, and the music conveys the complexity and emotional range of the holiday flawlessly. This album, however, is not limited to the days of celebration. Although El Dia de Los Muertos only occurs once a year, unlike many Christmas albums, which tend to have a short window of listening time, Ofrenda can be appreciated all year. The tracks are all outstanding jazz compositions that command repeated listening.

"Volver" opens the album with a catchy hook leading into a swinging groove. The trumpet and saxophone playing the head is somewhat reminiscent of some Kenny Dorham recordings. "Pan de Muerto" is another up-tempo tune featuring a lively New Orleans-influenced vibe. These songs provide a foundation for some impressive solos by Rivera, Stafford and Hirahara showcasing each musician's impressive chops. All the while, Kozlov and Royston keep the rhythm moving with accurate precision.

Ofrenda has some soft, reflective pieces along with the swinging numbers. "Cempacucil," "Velas" and "Cruz," for example, are the most melancholy songs on the album. However, even the more melancholy moments here present a greater feeling of peace and hope than sadness.

Ofrenda effectively accomplishes two goals. First, it serves as a genuine celebration of the multi-cultural traditions associated with El Dia de los Muertos. It is an invitation to carry on the memory of those who have passed. The album also features some outstanding jazz compositions and performances that deserve recognition.