Take Five with Dave Rivello

Meet Dave Rivello

Dave Rivello is an American-born composer, arranger, conductor and bandleader working primarily in Jazz, contemporary media, and modern classical idioms. He apprenticed with Rayburn Wright, Bob Brookmeyer, Manny Albam, Bill Holman, and Sam D'Angelo.

He leads a 12-piece ensemble, The Dave Rivello Ensemble, that is his main orchestral voice. He is also the author of the book, Bob Brookmeyer in Conversation with Dave Rivello (ArtistShare). His debut recording, Facing The Mirror, received strong praise from reviewers in the United States, Italy and Ireland. The Village Voice Jazz Critics Poll chose Facing The Mirror as the Debut Release of that year.

He co-produced the Gil Evans Project live recording, Lines of Color with leader Ryan Truesdell, which was nominated for a Grammy. He also recently co-produced Jennifer Bellor's recording, Reflections at Dusk on Innova Recordings.

He has served as composer-in-residence at a number of schools, writing for their ensembles, giving clinics as well as private lessons. His residencies have been sponsored by Meet The Composer, Harvard Project Zero, and The New York Council of the Arts. He has written for and been commissioned by: The Smithsonian Institute, The United States Air Forces in Europe Band, The University of North Carolina-Wilmington, The Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, The Penfield Symphony Orchestra, The Eastman Wind Ensemble, Bobby McFerrin, David Taylor, Phil Woods, Randy Brecker, Regina Carter, the Airmen of Note, The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and many others. His music has been widely performed throughout the U.S. as well as in Germany and Spain.

He is also on the faculty at the world-renowned Eastman School of Music.

Instruments:

Composer and conductor

Teachers and/or influences?

I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with the great Rayburn Wright while I was at the Eastman School of Music and with none other than Bob Brookmeyer. I also had time with Bill Dobbins, Manny Albam and Bill Holman—I wouldn't trade any of it for the world!

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...

I wrote—tried to write—my first piece in junior high school, and when I heard it, I knew that I wanted to spend my life writing music, and teaching others to write music. It was like a lightning bolt.

Your sound and approach to music.

This is a tough one for me to answer. People who know my music say they can tell my sound, but I don't know, I am constantly searching for new material, or new ways to do old things—or trying to avoid things that I love too much, like the Major 7 #5 chord.

Your teaching approach

I have been very influenced by the teaching philosophy of Nadia Boulanger. She met her students where they were, asked them where they wanted to get to, and helped them get there, filling in the gaps along the way. This is my approach as well, along with teaching the highest level of professionalism to each student.

Your dream band

There are many people I would love to work with, but my own Dave Rivello Ensemble has been my main orchestral voice for nearly 30 years now, I formed the band in 1993 to play my original work and I am very fortunate and humbled that they breathe their life into my notes.

Road story: Your best or worst experience

Traveling in two small busses to Coudersport, Pennsylvania from Rochester, New York for a fine arts festival. The band that opened for us was a heartthrob male vocal band called The Sons of Pitches. It was pretty clear once they started that much of the young crowd was not there for jazz. And, on the way returning to Rochester the same night, it poured rain, and the busses leaked. We still laugh about that one. There are others.

Favorite venue

Although I never got to perform there, I did co-produce The Gil Evans Project live recording from Jazz Standard [Lines of Color (ArtistShare, 2015)]. I loved that room and the food. I still can't believe that it's gone. I heard a lot of amazing music there.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?

There is still only one Dave Rivello Ensemble recording, which I am still very proud of. It's called Facing The Mirror (Allora, 2009), and Bob Brookmeyer wrote the liner notes for it. I do have three other projects in the can, so those will be coming. I am also incredibly proud of my Brookmeyer book, on ArtistShare. It is still the only book on Brookmeyer and is called, Bob Brookmeyer in Conversation with Dave Rivello.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

I hope I am creating honest music that moves the listener and gives them a unique experience, transports them and helps them forget the world that we are in.

Did you know...

I used to play trumpet!

The first jazz album I bought was:

Maynard Ferguson M.F. Horn 3(Columbia Records, 1973). I still have the LP, signed by Maynard.

Music you are listening to now:

Jim McNeely: Rituals (Challenge Records, 2022)
Bob Brookmeyer: On The Way To The Sky (Jazzline, 2022)
Maria Schneider: Data Lords (ArtistShare, 2020)
Count Basie: Chairman Of The Board (Roulette Records, 1959)
Michael Mantler: The Jazz Composer's Orchestra Update (ECM Records, 2014)

Desert Island picks:

Igor Stravinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps (Sony)
Bob Brookmeyer: Electricity (ACT Jazz, 1991)
Gil Evans: The Individualism of Gil Evans (Verve Records, 1964)
Bob Brookmeyer: Bob Brookmeyer Composer Arranger (Gryphon)
Count Basie: Chairman Of The Board (Roulette Records).

How would you describe the state of jazz today?

I think it is in an interesting state of flux. There are amazing things bubbling all over the place in corners everywhere, and I think it is an exciting time for what is to come.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?

Well, I think education is key to send new jazz musicians out into communities, and I also think it is important for educators to really look at the model of what we have been doing and be honest about whether it is still working or not. If not, then to find another way to engage listeners to share the joy we get from this music. I also feel that jazz was very much an experimental art form as it was developing and we need to get back to more of that as well. Art without risk isn't art. Just my opinion.

What is in the near future?

Launching a new, more electric, version of my band called DRE|RED (Dave Rivello Ensemble RED). Also getting those three project that are still in the can that I mentioned out.

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

Tripping when I walk out on stage—LOL! Actually, forgetting something or someone important on the microphone.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

I used to think, "The Rite of Spring," but maybe that's not so appropriate, so I'm still working on that. Ha!

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

Usually what I know of the piece I'm currently composing, up to the point that I don't know, hoping I will find it in the shower.

If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:

Quite possibly a chef. There are so many connections between composition and creating dishes.

If I could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why?

Igor Stravinsky, because...Igor Stravinsky.

Any upcoming performances of note?

Yes, and a very special one! I am honored to have been commissioned by the Eastman School of Music to compose a piece for Eastman's Centennial, and we will be premiering it on October 19th in Eastman's Kilbourn Hall, with my Eastman New Jazz Ensemble. It will be livestreamed, so please tune in if you can!

Comments