Most musicians learn multiple instruments over the course of their musical careers. It’s not really that difficult - musical concepts transfer between instruments. Each new instrument only presents a technique issue. With some discipline, a trained musician can master technique. They regularly hear other instrumentalists, both on record and in live performance. They carry the desired sound in their heads; if create an inferior sound, they often self-correct their technique. As with any musical endeavor, learning a new instrument simply requires time and hard-work.

Still, I’ve often questioned the idea of a true multi-instrumentalist – a huge divide exists between instrumental proficiency and musical expression. I play several different instruments, but honestly, I would not perform professionally on most of them. I’ve seen musicians in many different genres move between instruments during performance, and I’ve almost always wished that they hadn’t attempted this feat. I’ve even seen musicians move between instruments and demonstrate incredible amounts of technique - unfortunately they left their musicality back on their main instrument. Even though most musicians can play multiple instruments, how many can actually play them well?

Mario Rivera defied all prior conceptions of the multi-instrumentalist. He doubled on all saxophones, from bari to soprano - a common idea for saxophone players. He also played flute, alto flute, and piccolo very well - not out of the ordinary for an outstanding woodwind player. He undertook timbales, congas, bongó, tambora, and a few more percussion instruments - most Latin musicians gain at least a surface knowledge of these instruments. He performed on trumpet and vibes as well, a somewhat uncommon accomplishment. Unlike most musicians, Rivera played all these instruments at an exceedingly high level of musicianship.

Rivera’s amazing musicianship needs to be seen to be believed - so enjoy the videos below. The first track shows Rivera playing bari sax on a swing tune which eventually moves into a merengue. The second clip places Rivera on vibes, playing over an up-tempo Samba. The third clip starts with Rivera on muted trumpet, which he soon trades for flute. The last clip features both Rivera and Dave Valentin trading scat solos, then flute solos, and eventually timbale solos. All these clips are from a performance with Rivera’s group at the Bern Jazz Festival; it’s an amazing display of musicianship - enjoy!

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