In this episode of “The Riff: Music News Podcast”, one of the most iconic percussionists of the last fifty years, within “The Latin Diaspora” and beyond, “Little” Johnny Rivero, sits down with host Yunie Mojica to discuss his origins as a dancer turned percussionist in New York City. At 13, Rivero’s family moved to Puerto Rico, which ultimately led to a sixteen year tenure in pianist Papo Lucca’s “La Sonora Poncena”, one of the greatest “salsa” bands of all-time. Leaving “Sonora Poncena” in 1990, “Little” Johnny set out on a freelance career in which he has appeared on over 100 recordings. He has worked with the likes of Charlie and Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, Andy Montanez, Cheo Feliciano, Ray Barretto, Brian Lynch, Conrad Herwig, Dr. Lonnie Smith and Paquito D’Rivera. Rivero discusses his most recent album, “Music in Me”, which is available on Truth Revolution Recording Collective, as well as his upcoming project, “Golpe Duro”, which although featuring one “Latin Jazz” composition by pianist Zaccai Curtis, is a “tried and true salsa album” that returns “Little” Johnny to his roots.


Rivero discusses his experiences in Eddie Palmieri’s band over the last eighteen years, along with what his own experiences as a bandleader have been like.


The second half of this episode is the “review segment” featuring Truth Revolution Recording Collective Distribution Specialist Matt Chasen. He discusses pianist Fred Hersch’s “Live in Europe”, saxophonist JD Allen’s “Love Stone”, bassist Nat Reeves’ “Blue Ridge” and TRR Collective News with host Yunie Mojica.

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