Paquito D'Rivera

A captivating memoir from one of jazz's most beloved practitioners, a fascinating tour of a life lived in music and a useful guidebook for aspiring artists everywhere. Years after receiving a fan letter with no return address, Latin jazz legend Paquito D'Rivera began to write Letters to Yeyito in the hope of reaching its author, a would-be musician. In the course of advising his Cuban compatriot on love, life and musicianship, D'Rivera recounts his own six-decade-long journey in the arts. Full of humour, entertaining anecdotes, and expert advice.

D'Rivera is a best-selling jazz artist with more than thirty solo albums to his credit. He has performed at the White House and the Blue Note. ""My Sax Life"" is the English-language edition of D'Rivera's memoirs, published to acclaim in 1998. D'Rivera recalls his early nightclub appearances as a child, performing with clowns and exotic dancers, as well as his search for artistic freedom in communist Cuba and his hungry explorations of world music after his defection.

Since defecting from Cuba in 1980 - and indeed long before that in his native land - Paquito D'Rivera has received glowing praise time and again. A best-selling artist with more than thirty solo albums to his credit. D'Rivera has performed at the White House and the Blue Note, and with orchestras, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups around the world. My Sax Life is the English-language edition of D'Rivera's memoirs, published to acclaim in 1998. Propelled by jazz-fueled high spirits. D'Rivera's story soars and spins from memory to memory in a collage of his remarkable life. Beginning with his father - a classical saxophone virtuoso and educator - and his own fame as a child prodigy, D'Rivera riffs on everything from Che Guevera to musical training to the unique Cuban personality (""hyperbolic and excessive""). And that's just in the first few pages. As a musician D'Rivera has few peers and his life experiences are as diverse as his work. He recalls his early nightclub appearances as a child, performing with clowns and exotic dancers, as well as his search for artistic freedom in communist Cuba and his hungry explorations of world music after his defection. Opinionated but always good-humored, My Sax Life is a fascinating statement on art and the artist's life.

Intermediate/Advanced. From the source! Paquito produced and oversaw the recording himself using his own world renowned band! The diverse music presented here is a welcome addition to every musician's Play-A-Long library. This set contrasts the thrill of hot, exciting Latin classics with the meditative, laid-back feel of Brazilian favorites. A refreshing change of pace.Rhythm Section: Daniel Freiberg (p); Oscar Stagnaro (b); Mark Walker (d); Parnell Saturnino (Percussion)Includes:- A Night In Englewood- Guataca City- La Dama y el Vagabundo- Christmas Without You- Lorenzo's Wings- Memories- Chucho- Bluellespie- El Cura- Gdansk- South Of The Waltz- Chick- Wapanga