No excuses. Just Go For It

A day into how I eat to increase my metabolism

Hey everyone! So I decided to make a quick video and speak about ways that I eat that help increase your chances of losing body fat. This is just a simple overview of a typical day, and it works for me. You guys/gals can always try it if you seem to need a fresh new to way start a new way of eating. Remember 1 change a day can make all the difference.

The only thing that can hold you back, is yourself.

What's holding you back?

What are you worth?

It's a simple question with a full range of answers. If you never have asked yourself what are you worth, maybe today is the day you do. We all need to understand how important each and everyone of us is to this world. In fact, without you there would be no me. It's a simple idea really, we all live in this world, we all seek to better ourselves, and we want the best in any scenario. The problem is many of us grew up with a sense of being lost. Not all of us were lucky enough to grow up with 2 supportive parents, who were financially stable, who were caring, understanding and seemed to know all the solutions at any given time. In fact, many of us had the view point from the other side of things. Maybe some of us came from a single parent,  or a struggling household, or maybe some of us even came from no stable household at all..and that shaped how we view things to this day.

I'm here to tell you, to let go of that past, and re-evaluate for the future. Not one of you reading this is destined to be a failure, or not be successful. We are all are here to do great things. So what are you worth? I say you are worth more then you know. It just depends on how hard you're willing to work on things.

Do you deserve happiness?
Of course! But happiness will never come to those who do not seek it. It only begins to see the light in you when you decide to be happy.  Many of us concentrate on the negative of it all. The broken relationships, the long days at work, the general loneliness, but we live in a world that is deeper then those simple negative ideas. Think about it, the very fact that you are reading this on a computer screen or a mobile phone speaks wonders on how lucky you are in this world.

Never let a little discouragement take you away from your bigger plan. Sit down and think about what it is that you want to accomplish, have a definite goal, write it down, say it out loud and believe it.  Say it so much to everyone you know, say it in front of a mirror, say it out loud to the world even if no one is around, because the moment you truly believe that you can, is when things will start to change.

You want to start a business? Believe and trust that you are the best, and just go for it. Want to get in shape and restart your life, just do it. Believe that you can. It doesn't matter if it's 10 pounds or 150 pounds...your mind is the only thing in this world that will limit you from success. The very mind that you ultimately control. So what's stopping you. You're worth more then what you even know.

There may be days when you feel low, or opinions that are told to you may have more of an impact then it should, but just let it go. When someone says you can't, know that you simply could. It all starts with understanding what you are worth. It's a simple combination on mind, body and spirit. The combination of those 3 makes you unstoppable. It makes you know and truly believe that you are worth it. Because for the first time in your life, when you ask yourself how much you are worth..you can smile and happily say "I am priceless"

My Journey, My Transformation - A Look into the the last 12 months

What a week this has been. I had no idea that a simple before and after picture would have such an impact in the online community. It was such an amazing feeling to know you guys could sense the motivation I put in my life in the past year to achieve a new way of life and at the same time I could feel the love from each and every one of you in support. It was unbelievable to see that photo get shared and re-shared and tweeted all around, reaching different parts of the world. I just saw this morning it went around parts of Brazil and London. My sole intention was to inspire the few that may have needed inspiration, but this reaction is way better. Because with this reaction, it reached more people then I myself single handily could have reached. I can't begin to thank you all enough, for it is because of people like you who help push people forward with positiveness, which ends up being why success is never that far.

I'm writing this blog post for many reasons.One of which is that I got so many emails on the "How" of my year journey and the "Why" I tried to email everyone back, so if I missed you, my apologizes. Another reason i'm writing this is because a lot of you wanted to understand my mentality, eating habits and overall goals. I found myself writing to people semi-similar responses. So by this format, it can reach those who want more.

Background:
For the longest I can remember weight has been an underlining problem I faced. I was never the biggest kid in class, but as all of us know growing up can be tough, being an overweight kid makes things tougher. I always said to myself one day I would change my body for the better. I just never knew it would take me 28 years. Better late then never right?

The day I made up my mind and the journey that followed:
I remember the day I decided to change things up. There was nothing out of the ordinary in the day. I was just tired of the pain and the tiredness my body was showing. My blood pressure was starting to rise, and my joints was always hurting. I use to read about people on a monthly basis that changed their lives like in the Belly Off Club in Men's Health Magazine. If they could do it, why not I?

The first day in the gym was hard. I felt out of place, a bit confused and overwhelmed. I was certain on 3 things, I had to start weight training, I needed to do cardio and I needed to start eating correctly. You often see these commercials that promise you weight lose if you take a pill or a special shake. I'm smart enough to know that's not the way it works. So cardio, weight training and eating was the way to go.

The first mile I ran was like the never ending mile. I jogged most of the way and got through it. I threw in some weights in the mix right after and I was happy about how I felt. The next day was probably just as important as the first...because if this was the way to physical happiness, then excuses were no longer permitted. I was tired and sore, but regardless I made it to the gym. I went almost everyday that month. A 1 mile jog became a 1 mile run. After a month, spending time on the elliptical as well, that mile run became decent 2. I was on my way....

The biggest thing I learned in this year was that even though the gym is important, building healthy eating habits was just as important, if not more. Cutting out all types of enriched white flour, processed foods and lowering my carb intake was huge. It's not as hard as it sounds. There is no reason any of you guys need to eat white bread, or some snacks that are made in a factory with ingredients that you have never heard of. Imagine what impact it is having on your body as it tries to break it down for energy. Most likely your body is simply going to store it and in time, make it into fat. Make the smart choice, I'm not saying limit everything because that is a sure way to fail. Just be smart. You always have a choice. The more natural you go, the better you feel.

I learned a saying this year that guides me daily. I think if there is a such thing as a "Secret" it would be this. In life when ever you are faced with a decision simply ask yourself, how can I make this better. It applies universally but in the case of food choices, it will save your life. So a simple example would be having the choice of white bread, or multi-grain bread. Once you ask yourself that question, you will always go for the better choice. Or maybe you find your self thirsty, you can go for a coke, or go for club soda. Ask yourself the question, and you will find yourself making the correct choice.

A few months passed and I was in the swing of things. I was going to the gym 4 to 5 days a week. My schedule is always hectic as a professional jazz musician, but just as I always had enough time in the day to surf the web, check my facebook or catch some TV, I simply knew I had no excuses to not go to the gym. I ended up seeing an advertisement for the Men's Health Urbanathlon 10 miles of running that included obstacles through out. I never ran a race in my life, and deep inside i'm a competitor so I felt this would be perfect in keeping me focused on my health. Once I paid the registration fee, it almost made me feel even more obligated to work out. I didn't want to do a race that I simply couldn't finish. So training wasn't a choice, it became a lifestyle.

I think it's important to find something that you love fitness wise and really jump in to it. It might be swimming, biking or running. Whatever it is, know that their is a community out there that will support you. Running did it for me. I haven't stopped running since.

Surrounding yourself with like minded people is huge. How can you change your lifestyle if everyone that you hang out with eat a certain way and drink a certain way. You have to make a decision. What's more important. Living a long healthy life, or party hard and end your existence early? I chose life. I'm not saying you get rid of your best friends by any means. But in the beginning it's important to surround yourself with a support system. Being unhealthy and or overweight is no different then having a drinking problem or a drug problem. Having that support is what gets you through the tough times. The key is to develop a confidence in knowing what works for you. Building the confidence that if you go out with your friends falling to peer pressure is not an option. Your friends are your friends, and if they understand your struggle, they will be their to support. If not, find yourselves new friends.
I was fortunate that I had a great friend who decided to do the same races as me, train with me when we had the opportunity and  talk about how to train. Andrew Hadro was my "partner in crime" as the saying goes. We haven't looked back.

Finding the right foods for to fuel you is another important factor. I do not eat red meat or pork, so chicken and fish is a big part of my diet. I also found out that certain veggies made me feel even more amazing then before, asparagus is my go to snack.

Eating through out the day is key to making your body in to a fat burning machine. People often think opposite. The less I eat the less I weigh, granted the bottom line of losing weight is amount of calories in versus amount of calories out (hitting the gym, walking around, daily activities) But If you concentrate on a larger number of smaller meals a day you will never feel hungry, your metabolisms starts to speed up and in turn you start to lose weight. A key in doing this correctly is increasing your amount of protein in your diet. If you are really trying to change your ways, this will push you exactly where you need to be. There are some good protein shakes available that taste great. And if you are on the go, I found a company who's bars literally taste like a crunch bar. It's called Eat-Smart bars by ISatori. This has been my saving grace because since it taste so much like a dessert/snack it kept all my serious cravings away. It's not the dirt taste most bars have. Not quiet sure how they have mastered the art of it, but trust me this is the one to go with.

Setting up small goals:
To many people think about the overall larger goal. "I wanna lose 80 lbs by the summer" This almost always sets you up for a bit of failure. Think smaller goals that are attainable. What everyone needs to know is that if you complete a bunch of  little goals, eventually you will have reached every goal you ever wanted. No one expects to be able to run a full marathon on the the very first try with out running a few smaller races beforehand. You build up to it, and when the opportunity arises you crush it. With no doubt in your mind because you took the time to prepare. It's no different for weight lose. Slow and steady wins the race. I lost 75lbs this year, but the way I lost it was by losing 1 at a time. For every 1 pound lost, the dream of becoming fit became a reality.

On a side note, some of the extra keys to my fat loss was Interval training It is one of the best ways to do so. (just click on the link for a detailed description) and muscle confusion for those who end up being very dedicated will also guarantee results. (Think P90x) My suggestion is taking bits and pieces from things that you like and create your own work out. Consistency is key.

There is not one thing that I can tell you that will make you change. I can simply give you advice on the how. In the end it is up to YOU to decide that you want a change. No one can trick you into running, or eating healthy. In the end, it is you who decides to sweat. You have to think about what is important to you. I decided that I wanted to live a full productive life, both mentally and physically. I have to much that I care for, to many things to do, to many people to help to end my time on this world prematurely. I knew that making this decision saved my life in the long run. It was my decision in that I wanted to live that really sparked the flame. Figure out what that means to you. Maybe you have a newborn child, recently married, or a new career that you love and want to enjoy. What ever the reason is, make it a good one. It was my reason to want to live that got me through the days of not wanting to  continue, or being to tired to go on. I made it count, and now I make everyday count.

Signing up for the New York Road Runners was a great decision I made. In a way it holds me accountable if I don't stay in shape. Races are on going and I compete with myself to get a better time. My goal is running the ING New York Marathon in 2013. A year ago 26.2 miles seemed impossible, but in a year impossible easily changed it's meaning. 

Don't be the person that makes excuses why you shouldn't. Excuses are easy ways to hide. Having kids, a career, a family or all valid points, but I too sustain a very busy schedule through out the year, travel often, always working on various projects and days always seem to be to short. So if I didn't use any of those excuses...what's yours?

Be the change you want to become, say out loud that you are "worth the time and the effort to become the better you". That person inside of you is waiting to come out, at times it is screaming to come out..just take a listen. I was just like you, i'm just a normal guy who put my mind to it. There was no secret game plan, no expensive trainers or coaches. Just me, and my mind knowing that every sore muscle in my body was it's way of thanking me. That every drip of sweat that flowed out of me was my body excited at the potential of what could be and what will be.

Be the inspiration that I hope I am for some of you. Change your life because life is worth it. Let the doubters in your life disappear. Let the of the ones that tell you that it's impossible. Because if there is one thing I truly learned in my journey, it is that "Impossible is just another reason not to quit"

I would like to thank everyone who has been part of my journey-
Andrew Hadro, Isatori, Men's Health, The entire team at LPA, My B Smith Crew, Ali, NYRR, The entire Facebook Family, Planet Fitness for being so affordable and an extra thanks to all of you that have shared this story! Let's continue to be a positive force.

2012 Chamber Music America Recipient

A few months ago Vita Muir, the Executive Director of Litchfield Performing Arts told me she was interested in applying for a Chamber Music America Grant. Of course, I was excited to take part of this journey but being that this was the first go at this illustrious grant, I felt that even if I wasn't selected the learning process would be a good lesson learned. It took almost a week of work, sitting down and discussing, writing, and of course...writing some more. We were confident and we sent it off with smiles and hopes. We new what we would present was a great project, but it was out of our hands. Vita believed in me and this project, and So did I.

Well a few months went by and here we are. A call came into the office (I happen to be in the office that day working on Jazz Camp) with the news. I was selected and was named a recipient for this year. I can't explain the joy I felt go through my body. I was calm yet felt euphoric.

What you guys need to understand is that I work so hard at this craft. It is no doubt my calling to be an artist. To write music and share it to the world, but this craft comes with a price. It's a daily struggle of figuring out who you are deep within, the day to day hustle of maintaining a career and with that the day to day expenses that come with living. Could I have been anything else in this world if I put my mind to it, Sure. I could have went to a great college, go on to get a degree in a field that may be a bit less stressful at times. But when you live the life I live, and understand how amazing it truly is and love what you do, I can't imagine "Working" a day in my life. I wake up excited and try to never let the stereotypes of what being a musician is affect the way I am as a person.

I submitted a number of years in a row before I was named an ASCAP Young Jazz Composers recipient. It was worth the effort, I represented the winners that year with a performance that I will never forget. Now being a recipient of Chamber Music America it simply continues to add fuel to the fire that is still a huge part of my life. The music I compose is from my mind and heart. It special to me because I am unique to this world. There is only one of me, and because there is only one of me, what I do in this world needs to be special. My goal is to leave a mark of positiveness in this world before I exit. It's just nice when other people give you props. It reminds you that what you and I are doing...is simply perfect to each his or her eyes.

I grew up as the Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx who was raised by a single mother. Their were never any excuses, never an easy way out, no money to help... She did her best the only way she knew how to and looking back that was amazing enough. Now that I'm the adult, It's simply my turn to continue....

So I was thinking..

I put a quote on Facebook early today. Sometimes people wonder if my status are just some witty quotes I read passingly or if it was something that came from me and my experiences. I try to take a bit from both...but in this case..it was all me.

"Don't let your past define you, in fact all you have to do is let your past do what it should do - Put things in perspective so you can see how much we have all grown"

In my life and my travels I've had the fortunate chance to meet so many people from so many different backgrounds. And of all the diverse stories that I have heard, 1 point stays true. Everyone has become the person that they are, based on what they have been through. Is that I bad thing? Absolutely not...but the moment that people never take the time to look back and see how it developed them, it can be a slippery ride without breaks.

You always have a choice, you chose to be sad, you chose to be happy. You chose to smile, to laugh, and to enjoy life. People often use their childhood, or negative past situations to define how the rest of their lives should be. And to me, that just might not be the right mindset. I remember as I stepped into my life as a 20 year old, things just clicked. I said to myself that no longer would I let my past define me. I would only allow it to be part of my story in the end of the day. That it would make my story that much better and more interesting for those who were fortunate to be in the know. That was it, it was a simple choice and I haven't looked back. It was like finding this lost secret that was so obvious, the smack that came from it left a mark...granted more mentally then physically.

I had every reason to use my past as an excuse. But do I? I sure hope not. I can't say that my past and all that I got out of it is tucked away in some magical volt that only spews out the good memories, but I was able to learn from it, like where I came from, the mistakes I made as a young adult, and now I'm able to fully appreciate what life has to offer. I wouldn't take back anything that I was a part of. No regrets, only memories I can grow from.

I am writing this is because I see so many people simply repeating a cycle that they already know the outcome for. Parents who had children at a young age seemingly repeats itself in future generations, relationships that people find themselves in that they know are no good, but because it's what they are use to they allow it to continue. We are all worth more then that. Don't you agree??

It takes a lot to let go, and start off new. Sometimes the best person to imitate to a certain degree is a newborn. They are experiencing everything for the first time, so even though its unrealistic to actually do so...why not just try. You never know..the second "first" time might just be exactly what you need to let the past do what it's meant to do. Let it be the past, so you can begin living again, for the present.

Nicki Minaj...The Modern Day Clown Show

I know I tend to stay on the positive side. Cause that what life is about. But every so often something comes out in this industry (music) that just shows a state of where music is in. I recently saw Nicki Minaj new music video "Stupid Hoe" It's a diss track to a fellow female rapper Lil Kim. Anyway, for those who listen to this stuff..here's my thoughts. The way I see it, the more the music gets on this pathetic level, the more of a chance that people will wake up and start listen to real music again! who knows..maybe jazz can be in the forefront once again! One can dream right?

You guys are amazing...Yeah you..the reader.

Because you guys and gals are still visiting this blog instead of the new one, I will simply update both!! Easy right? Thank you for the support..

If you are interested in following or visiting the other post, it is www.livinglife2life.blogspot.com

Either way, it's fine! Thank you!

I'm Convinced...

I'm convinced that life is what you make it. It's not what you see on t.v nor hear on the radio. It's not about the pictures in magazines, or the overly used similar endings in a Hollywood movie. It's about the present, the right now, the moment you decide to live.

I often wonder when I realized it. It wasn't a clear day that I can recall. Matter of fact, whenever I try to recall anything of my younger self, it usually involves me saying "What was I thinking?" But so is life, you live, and you learn. Ideally you grow with each experience whether good or bad but always remember that in the end you still are living.

People worry to much about the past, the negative emotions usually are what spark memories and that I do understand,  but I wish I could tell people and have them realize... it will be ok. Not that I know their future or have a secret power that will guarantee happiness, I simply just know. And that's it.
If you say to yourself, right this moment that "things will be great and from this moment, this very second, things are great"...then things simply will be great.

One thing I can say that I learned from my childhood is that if I can figure out how to truly be happy then anyone can.  Just like everyone, we all have our moments of trials and tribulations. And soon after, you are met with the infamous "fork" on the road. It may not be obvious, or at the moment even important, but the decision made, leads you down a path and you can't go back. Have no fear, because just as this road starts, another fork is never to far ahead. It's always about a choice. The beauty of living is that you get multiple times to make it right.

How bad can it be. I bet I can put things in perspective. So you lost your phone? Well at least it wasn't your job. Lost an opportunity? That's just life saying one that's better is on it's way. Have a broken heart? Just means you're one less heartbreak away from finding the one. It's all how you view it. I'm convinced.

The past is a powerful force. You can't just erase the bad and keep the good, it's a package deal. The secret is to out weight it with the beauty of your life. Holding on to the past only gives it more power then it already has. Focus on the good, the positive change you want to become and to see with in others. I know there are people who are so hurt or focused on the past sadness, they barely can take a moment and focus on what's around. If you just stop and look around, you'll realize it's amazing.

You're alive, you woke up today with new opportunities and as far as you want to go, is based solely on how far you can imagine. In my mind, since you woke up, you are already ahead of the game. Some weren't so lucky.

I was in 4th grade when a friend on mine passed. He didn't have a choice in the matter, he knew even at his young age his time was numbered, yet he always had a smile, he was always kind and after all these years I still like to think his life had a purpose. If I learned one thing from that memory, was that each day is a gift. So ask yourself.. "Are you living?" I can honestly say I am.. I'm definitely convinced.

No excuses, now go out and live!

No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training.. What a disgrace it is for a man to grown old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable. —Socrates

Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.— Earl of Derby

Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it. — Author Unknown

Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied. — Charles Caleb Colton

Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever. — Lance Armstrong

So A little change...But don't worry! I'm still here...

So for those who have been following my site, a little change. Since I realized my blogging is not just about music, I changed the name of the blog as well as the link.
So let's switch it up and join me here --> http://livinglife2live.blogspot.com/

All my previous post are imported and we are good to go! Happy Writing!

Back in NY!

Just saying hello, I miss all of you and I sure missed NY. I'm happy to be back though I am a bit sad to say good bye to the great times at the LJC.
So what's going on people!?

Sorry for the delay...

It's been a few months since my last post.And for those who read it often, my apologies. Well since the summer is upon us thing have gotten so busy. The Litchfield Jazz Camp is about ready to start, and it's packed with students so i'm super excited! B'Smith's NYC restaurant is going well with the music performances as at this point, we have music 4 nights a week! (So Stop By!) The other big thing is i've decided to start working out and rebuilding my body the way it should be. I've been hitting the gym 5 days a week and feeling great. At this point i'm down about 35 lbs and run anywhere from 3-5 miles a day! So for anyone who thinks they can't do it, trust me..with dedication you can!
Well that's all for now, just a little note so all of you know I haven't forgot about you, and there will be much to write about!
Feel free to email me or follow me on facebook/twitter!
Love
Al

Here is an Interview I did last summer! enjoy!

Lakeville Journal Feature | Jazz camp’s 525 musicians keep the beat
Shaw Israel Izikson | Lakeville Journal - July 22, 2010

KENT — The Litchfield Jazz Camp, held on the grounds of the Kent School, started its 14th session on July 11.
The camp, which is operated by The Litchfield Jazz Festival, offers courses for students from 13-years-old to adult in everything from performance and instruments to jazz history to improvisation, rhythm and music theory.
The camp began a decade and a half ago with only 32 students and a one-week program, according to Lindsey Turner, who is the marketing director for both the festival and the camp.
“This year we have 525 students enrolled,” Turner said. “We have students from all over the country as well as foreign students.”
Musician Don Braden, musical director at the camp, has played with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Roy Haynes, Betty Carter and Freddie Hubbard, is the musical director for the camp.
“Jazz is such a great thing to study,” Braden said. “It’s the kind of music that is really fun and expressive, yet has quite sophisticated emotional elements that are positive and fun.
“Also it has a spiritual aspect that involves comradery and teamwork. It all ends up being a great combination.”
Braden said the teaching staff combines rigor and a relaxed approach.
“We don’t live on military time, or break people down with tough love, that’s not our culture,” Braden said. “We all lead from the front. Our main thing is showing our students the way. The camp faculty is made up of professional players.”
Assistant Director Albert Rivera started out as a student at the camp when he was 15 years old.
“Originally I lived in New York City and every summer while I was growing up I came up to the camp,” Rivera said. “I think many of the students come from the city, and when they come up here to Kent they see a whole different lifestyle. They start to understand that life isn’t just about their neighborhood. They learn there is a whole other world out there.”
Rivera said another benefit of the camp is that students meet other musicians, and many of them form friendships and bonds.
“Sometimes students wonder if there are others out there like themselves,” Rivera said. “It comes as a shock to them when they see there are hundreds of other students just like them.”
Rivera said the camp welcomes all levels and ages.
“Students also get to see a world-class faculty and professional musicians perform,” he said. “Usually, it takes a trip to New York City and it costs an arm and a leg to see these guys play.”
Throughout the summer, the camp will present 30 free concerts in locations in town by jazz camp students and faculty.
“Jazz is an amazing thing,” Rivera said. “One of the biggest attractions about jazz is that it’s a musical art form that started right here in America. Some parts of jazz are in other kinds of music, including rap, pop and hip hop. I think it will come back to the forefront.”

Ken Ross - New World Feat. Magestik Legend, Jo'Leon Davenue

Some of you may know that I do not discriminate when it comes to good music. I may be a "Jazz" artist by trade, but music is my life.
I met Ken Ross (http://kenrossmusic.net) a few years ago while he was a student at the Litchfield Jazz Camp. His technique at guitar was tight, and he had a great attitude towards music. I've been keeping my eye on what he has been up to musically.

After finding his niche with school, he found himself in Chicago and started making hip hop music. Maintaining a jazz tradition, he is branching out and reaching a wider audience.
If he continues on his path and stays focused I would not be surprised if a much larger calling to fame becomes within his reach.
This video and song is from his first and most current self-released album "Zzzzz" You can download it for from on his website. Yeah...amazing right? I said free! http://kenrossmusic.net/music.html

With quality like this...why not tell your friends about it?

Litchfield Jazz Festival Announces the 2011 Lineup

http://litchfieldjazzfest.com/ljf/ljf-line-up-off/

2011 marks the 16th Anniversary of The Litchfield Jazz Festival. LJF continues the tradition of showcasing jazz legends and fostering up-and-coming talent as we've done since 1996. "Nothing beats the Litchfield Jazz Festival…an ongoing tradition for those in the know." -- JazzImprov.
Visit our Festival History page for a complete line-up history. 2011 Artist Profile Pages Coming Soon. As soon as they appear you can click the name or photo below to learn more about each artist.

Artist Profiles Coming Soon...

Friday, August 5th

Friends of the Festival Gala
The Clayton Brothers Quintet
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue -- Special 90 minute set  

Saturday, August 6th

Albert Rivera Organ Quintet
Champian Fulton Quartet
The Bronx Horns
Vijay Iyer Trio Ray
Charles Tribute with Davell Crawford
Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band*

Sunday, August 7th

Dena DeRose Trio
Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio
Matt Wilson Quartet plus Strings
Joe Lovano Nonet
Jimmy Heath Big Band*

*NEA Jazz Masters Live is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Clinics & Artist Talks led by Artist-in-Residence Matt Wilson

Roy Haynes
Jimmy Heath
Joe Lovano
Dr. Lonnio Smith
Vijay Iyer
The Bronx Horns

"Inner Peace" Goes Into The Film World

When you write music, especially for a record you always wonder who will end up listening, how far will it go, and of course, how people will receive it. Luckily my first record was well received. The critics said great things and above all the fans enjoyed it. But now with the second record available, would it live up to the hype and surpass it, or just be another record released.

I put my heart and soul in everything that I do. That includes the music I write, and I do my best so that it comes across that way when it's recorded. Cause then again...you really never know who's listening.

A few weeks ago I was contact by Ben Crowe, a well respected, award winning film director based out of the U.K. He heard the title track of my latest record "Inner Peace" (Turnaround Records 2010) and wanted to use it for a scene for his upcoming film. I'm pleased and beyond words in telling all of you that it has come to fruition.

This is something I've always dreamed about happening and I feel this is only the beginning.  The films title is Verity's Summer and it's do out in a few months in a number of film festivals. I can't thank Ben and his producer Emma enough for wanting one of my compositions in the film.

See the thing about being positive and believing in yourself is that it has the power of opening doors that may not show itself until you do. Positive attracts positive. You yourself, generally are the only one holding yourself back. The biggest wall to climb, the excuses your mind can come up with, the countless reason why you shouldn't because that just might be easier. The moment you leave that mindset behind is the moment you begin to live.

A quote that I once read speaks volumes to me as I write to you. "It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not" -Author Unknown

So though I am truly excited for this opportunity, the thoughts and dreams I have for the future excited me just as much. I won't stop just to be the norm, instead I will continue to reach my dreams regardless of peoples ideas of what is possible and impossible.

What will be next for the life of Albert Rivera, his music and his life? I can only imagine, but for now, I'll have a smile, and give myself a pat on the back for what I consider.. a job well done.

Some pictures for those eyes of yours

 Here are some pictures I have taken in the last year or so. Some were photoshoots and one of the shots are a performance shot from Small Jazz Club. Thank you Steve Sussman, RS Berkeley, Jason Goodman and Elizabeth Leitzell for the photos (list are bottom up)

Enjoy Everyone!

 Any photographers who would like to build their portfolio feel free to contact me!

If life's randomness was so random, would you have still ended up here?

I was recently asked if I felt that life was a a whole bunch of random events that you help create and push forward, or was it carved in stone to be lived out like chapters in a book. My first reaction was simple and to the point "I make my own life, and I decide where it goes" I said, though in the back of my head a little voice said "really?" Though the conversation was a pleasant one, that went in many directions, it left me thinking about my life in its entirety from my earliest childhood memory to this very moment as I write and share my ideas with all of you. So it got me thinking..what if it's both? Random and scripted all at once...

All I have is my life to really dissect and to look back on, so I'll tell you a few things about me. See, if you would have told me that I would be a professional musician, traveling and living this kind of life when I was a child I would have laughed, and then probably got mad at you. Growing up wasn't the easiest thing to do, there were always issues with my family, whether it was close relatives or long distance ones. But being the youngest of 8, I just assumed that's how it would always be. But as Kanye West once said in a song of his "That's Family Business" So I just learned how to accept and adapt.

My mother raised me on her own, and though it was strict as a typical Puerto Rican household would normally be, she always made me take my studies seriously. I was never able to "hang out" in the neighborhood,  but instead I was home from school early, doing my homework with little playtime. Funny thing is now, when I look back, that was such an amazing thing she did for me and I'm so thankful.

I'm not sure why my mother raised me the way she did, maybe she just wanted things to be better for me when I grew up, or maybe it was just random and it was just her idea of what being a mother is. You see, I attended a public school in the Bronx, and after finishing the 3rd grade new zoning rules went into affect and they forced me to transfer. I found myself to be kinda quiet at the time, so changing didn't really make a difference to me. In fact, it was just another thing to deal with. But what I didn't know was that it probably changed my life. Before I left the first school I took a few citywide exams, and the interesting thing was I did pretty good. Actually, it was a perfect score.

When I went to the new school and they look at those scores,  they decided to put me into a program for what they called "gifted" children. Kids that excelled in all aspects. Through what ever randomness this world had put in motion for me, it allowed me to get accepted a special program for Junior High School. That's where music came in, it was meant to open my mind to expand my knowledge in my studies, but to me...I fell in love.

Because I went to that school, It paved the way for me to attend LaGuardia H.S for performing arts, which opened my ears to jazz music, which allowed me to attend the Litchfield Jazz Camp and meet some of my closest friends, which helped me get into a music conservatory, which allowed me to continually perfect my craft, which forced me to grow up and look at life different.

My outlook in life was so different 10+ years ago, I only saw the goodness and happiness every so often, but music and the last 10 years made my eyes and mind open. I learned to stop and look around and see the beauty of it all. To listen and respond, to help and to care for those I barely know. It was my mother who started the seed for all this, but it was the years of living, the individuals I met along the way that helped shape me. It was those people that made me realize success is all about a mindset, not a specific act. Every second of every minute of every hour of every day of every year made me who I am this very moment.

I can look back in life thus far and know that I'm happy. And there is nothing random about that. I made the decision to be happy, to live every day as it is meant to be lived, to pick up my horn and create music, to affect my fellow human beings in any positive way I can. The sadness from my past, the confusion of childhood, the search for a deeper meaning,  only makes my success in the present feel even more amazing.

It took me 27 years of trial and error to come to this point. So was it random, or was it scripted like a well written play? I say it again, it's a little bit of both. But unlike a play or a movie, I can't start from the beginning all over again whenever I deicide. But, what I can do is sketch out my next few chapters and see where it goes. I can see how clever "randomness" can be. Because it can always come to this.. "If life's randomness was so random, would I have still ended up here?"

Albert Rivera

"Creativity is the ability to introduce order into the randomness of nature." Eric Hoffer

It's February already!!! And a peak into the summer...

Wow! Where did the month go. It was just yesterday that I was sipping on some champagne ringing in the new year,  And now? It's the second month of the year, no major issues, things are moving well... In my book, that's plenty to be happy about.

With 2011 off and running, a lot of projects are in the mix. I got Latin Jazz Thursdays off and running with my buddy and B. Smith's Executive V.P Adam Caswell, and so far it's been cooking. I'm looking forward to next Thursday for the show! Well, that's saying I get back to NYC in time.

Front of Vita Muir's House(Executive Director- LPA)

As I sit down and type this I look out the window and I would guess there is about 4 feet of snow. The Front door or side doors can't open cause the snow is blocking it, and the driveway...well, you can only imagine.  I'm up here doing some work for Litchfield Performing Arts getting things situated for the summer school that kicks off July 10th. It takes tons of preparation, and I do love working for this company and for what there mission is. Bringing music to the people through education and performances.  Well, regardless of the snow it didn't stop me from making good progress. Just got confirmed that trumpeter Jean Caze (you may know him for being in Michael Buble's band) will be joining us for the full month of the Litchfield Jazz Camp. This is gonna be an amazing summer. Jean will be joining me on stage at the Jazz Festival which follows the school in the first weekend of August with my Organ Band. It's gonna be a live recording, so I am pumped! More info to follow! For more info on Jean or Michael Buble and touring click on their names.

It's amazing for things to be falling in great places, I've been feeling so inspired and I can't wait to grow some more so that I can continually positively effect others as well. I'm trying!

I'll end with a quote by the great Albert Einstein. "Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value" I will do my best Einstein and I will be my best.
Smiles from Connecticut
Albert

Take a moment and look around...It's a nice view.

When was the last time you stopped in the middle of what you were doing and looked around? I bet it's been a while. Maybe it's been a week, or a year or maybe you haven't done so since you've been a child. But I want you to look around you, and notice the little things. I know it's not a big thing to do, nor will it take much effort. But what it will do is plant a seed of realization. Some people stay away from what their reality is for many reasons, maybe it's a money issue, or a family one, maybe they just feel lonely or out a place, and their best answer is to simply dive into work, dive into an addiction, or simply dive, but when you take a moment and realize what is usually right in front of you, or right at your door, you realize life is marvelous.

Take a moment to breath, to live, to smile. Don't do it simply because someone tells you that you should, do it because it's the things that surround you, the feelings that you feel, that make you alive. It makes you human.

You eat and sleep because you are human, you love and feel because you exist. If you spend your whole life never really experiencing the little things..then what are you truly doing?

See in my eyes, noticing the little things makes doing the big things worthwhile. I once was asked a question by a lady on the streets of NYC, why I was smiling and whistling. My answer was "because I'm living". She looked at me as if she was in shock, she took a moment and looked around, looked back at me and then began to smile as she walked away. So do me a favor and take a moment to look around, notice how lucky we all are, and remember..It's a nice view out there.

Latin Jazz Thursdays starts this week!

I'm thrilled that I got the Curtis Brothers to lead Latin Jazz Thursdays at B. Smith's With Ciroc as the sponsor I got a great feeling about this series. We are running it to March 10th and possibly further. Just depends on you...the fans in coming out! 

So what else you got going on Thursday nights? The music starts at 9p.m and there is no cover. I'll be there, not to mention CIROC Models  

Have you seen these commercials. I was laughing so hard...

If you wanna RSVP to the event click here to be directed to facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=182273415128787

Hope to see ya soon!

Smiles!

A quote about reaching your goals

"Only those who have the habit of going the second mile ever find the end of the rainbow."- Napoleon Hill

It is a fact of life that most of us try and fail many times before we ultimately achieve the level of success that we desire. You can expect to travel the extra mile many times only to find fool’s gold at the end of your rainbow. But you will most certainly miss out on the great riches that await you if you quit trying. A superficial commitment to doing more than expected based only on what you expect to receive will not sustain you in the long term. Great achievement results from a commitment to do the right thing regardless of the consequences, and that commitment will ultimately lead you to the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow.


For more inspirational quotes and more info on Napoleon Hill go to http://www.naphill.org

‘Inner Peace,’ Albert Rivera helps define Atlanta’s Turnaround Records

Jazz CD review: With ‘Inner Peace,’ Albert Rivera helps define Atlanta’s Turnaround Records
by Jon Ross | Jan 10, 2011

Turnaround Records had a full-blown coming out party in 2010. The two-year-old Atlanta label had been relatively quiet since its founding, only releasing the debut disc from its sole artist, New York tenor saxophonist Albert Rivera, in 2008. Last year, “Evidence of Things to Come” by local saxophonist Brian Hogans — here’s my review — rolled out; another local player, trumpeter Melvin Jones, went into the studio for a recording due out this spring. In addition to signing new talent, the label also returned its original signee in the act, releasing Rivera’s sophomore effort, “Inner Peace.”

The saxophonist’s gruff, unaccompanied tenor is the first sound on “Inner Peace.” There’s reverb — it sounds like he might be playing in a tunnel — but the short, rhythmic statement introducing “It Always Comes Back to This” is otherwise completely raw. Rivera repeats a four-note pattern twice in a commanding, low tone before the band joins in and he launches into a melodic line full of tender sentiment. The album’s foundation is a contrast between this bedroom sound and the aggression heard mostly during Rivera’s solos. In the span of a minute, the saxophonist has imprinted his two personalities on the up-tempo song, which evolves into a smooth funk tune, propelled by prodding organ pecks, frenetic brushwork and the clean guitar tone of Mark Whitfield.

On soprano, which Rivera reserves for two languid ballads (“Inner Peace” and “While You Were Gone”), he asserts his more confrontational personality on the smaller, more sensitive-sounding instrument. Rivera’s soprano sound is equally as compelling as his tenor technique; he wrestles a deep, rich tone from the bright, tiny saxophone.

Bassist Luques Curtis and pianist Zaccai Curtis, holdovers from Rivera’s last effort, are thoughtful accompanists who help bring Rivera’s ideas to fully-formed compositions. The exceptional Nick Roseboro is also heard on trumpet, his improvisations matching (and nearly exceeding) Rivera’s abilities. For the rest of his sidemen, the saxophonist uses a revolving door — Jean Caze on trumpet; Nathan Jolley and John Iannuzzi on drums; Beck Burger on Hammond B3; and Whitfield on guitar. This lineup is broken up into different combinations for each tune (everyone playing together would be a bit muddy for Rivera’s songs), and this gives Rivera the benefit of introducing new ideas into the group and receiving fresh responses in return. Each ensemble change is flawless; the many different units presented on the album work interchangeably.

“Inner Peace” typifies Turnaround Records’ musical outlook. Storied jazz companies like ECM Records and Blue Note became famous for spotlighting certain types of musicians and helping mold a signature recorded atmosphere through studio techniques. When listeners picked up a Chick Corea album on ECM, they were buying the label’s idea of jazz as well as the musician’s artistic concept. While Turnaround Records lacks the output to establish a definition of its place in the jazz sphere, “Inner Peace” echoes many of the same ideas heard from Hogans on his debut. The albums eschew traditional standards and opts for original material that incorporates a range of pop, funk and jazz influences. Through studio work, the artists have a crisp, clean sound with a presence so big it jumps out through the speakers.

Of course, two artists don’t make a label, and it’s a bit early to start writing the history of Turnaround Records. But Rivera and Hogans have gone a long way toward helping the label achieve an all-encompassing concept.

My Time at the Jazz Conference in New Orleans

I can't think of a better time then getting together in a beautiful city with thousands of people all for the love of jazz. With shows, clinics, panels, discussions and of course seeing friends and colleagues you may have not seen in a while.

I arrived early Thursday morning to New Orleans, LA even with my flight having a slight delay. The flight was packed with great musicians, from legendary pianist Junior Mance to amazing drummer Matt Wilson and a bunch of Jazz Education Conferences attendees.
I was fortunate to have Litchfield Performing Arts and RS Berkeley(my saxophone endorsement) bring me down, so I did my best to split my time spent with them both. Not to mention trying to have time to meet a whole lot of new people, But it worked out perfectly!

(L:R) Albert Rivera, Vita Muir(LPA), Todd Feldman, Don Braden 

Friday came quickly and a bunch of the RS Berkeley endorsers got together to do an impromptu performance of "When The Saints Go Marching In" Fun times for all!
I always love these conferences, cause it builds up memories that last a long time.

Saturday went quick with my flight in the late afternoon, but I was able to have a great lunch and conversation with my good friend Frank Alkyer (Publisher of Downbeat Magazine) and a number of other people including saxophonists Claire Daly and Andrew Hadro as well as PR supervisor of Alfred Music Publishing Marina Terteryan and marketer/vocalist Carri Bugbee about the future of self marketing, career building and social media. Pretty intense, but I feel like I got a lot of it.

My flight back from JetBlue was quick and easy with fellow saxophonist Victor Goines(J@LC) among others and even happen to be sitting next to some jazz fans!
I head back to NY with a refreshed mind, and some great ideas. 2011 is just in it's beginning stages and words can't express how excited I am!

Lesson about adversity from N.Hill

A word from the great mind of Napoleon Hill - Enjoy!

"If you don’t know why you failed, you are no wiser than when you began"

There’s an old adage that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So it is with our failures. Unless we learn from our mistakes, we are likely to repeat them until we learn from such experiences and correct our course — or give up and accept temporary defeat as permanent failure. Every setback you encounter in life contains valuable information that, if you study it carefully, will eventually lead you to success. Without adversity, you would never develop wisdom, and without wisdom, success would be short lived indeed. When you make a mistake, say, “That’s good! I?ve gotten that out of the way. I will never do that again.” You will no doubt make other mistakes, but they won’t bother you nearly as much when you treat them as learning experiences.

http://www.naphill.org/

Heading to New Orleans this week!

Well with the new year upon us, I can look back and say how amazing 2010 was. It was the year where I paid my entire student debt off (and all other debt as well) my 2nd album was released, I was endorsed by RS Berkeley and have a beautiful saxophone in my arsenal and not to mention I've never had this many gigs in a course of 1 year ever. For that I am truly grateful!
A lot to be thankful for, but I do admit, I'm even more excited by 2011.
Having in my mind all the lessons I have learned from last year, I can only hope and know that this year will be an even stronger one for myself and my career. And I'm happy to be starting it off right!
The first couple of days found me performing, and on Thursday I'll be in New Orleans, LA for the Jazz Education Network conference.
You can find me in Booth #608 with the good folks at RS Berkeley as well as running around with my great friends and family at Litchfield Performing Arts that I am proud to be the Director of Operations. (a.k.a Assistant Musical Director) promoting the Jazz Camp and a new program that started last year called "Teach The teacher"
So for all the folks that will be there, feel free to say hello, and let's catch up!

Let us all think big for this new year and make things happen.
As in the great words of Napoleon Hill
"There are no limitations to the mind except those we acknowledge."
Smiles
Albert

Online review of "Inner Peace"

Take a second to read :) This Rob Young fellow has some great taste in music!

Back in August of this year, saxophonist Albert Rivera stepped out with his impromptu project “Inner Peace,” to shake and rattle things up a bit on the jazz scene. Recently I was drawn to reacquaint myself with the power, energy and finesse of his magnetic horn play as it blurs seamlessly through the conduit of the eclectic voice of this amazing saxophonist on his debut “Re-Introduction” released in 2008. For those of you who haven’t, you might want to consider his mind-blowing bop-infused jazz excursion on Turnaround Records. –Rob Young | The Urban Flux
http://theurbanflux.wordpress.com/

Great Interview Last Night!

Hey everyone
So last night I had the pleasure of being interviewed by radio host David May from WHFC 91.1 which is located in Bel Air, MD. Radio is always important in reaching a larger audience, so whenever I get asked to be a part of one, I'm always down.
It was nice and we touched a lot of subjects. Below is the broadcast, so feel free to check it out!

Albert Rivera Interview on WHFC 91.1 with David May by AlbertRivera

I can't believe the year is almost done..Well, I guess I can. Things have been so busy which is such an amazing feeling that time has moved so quickly. But 2011 will be a great one! Stay tuned. For new years eve, I will be performing at B Smith's to ring in the new year. I'm excited!
Feel free to post my Facebook link(www.facebook.com/albertriverajazz) or my regular website link (www.AlbertRiveraJazz.com) on any social media website and share! Sharing is caring right?
Smiles
Albert