A Conversation With Acclaimed Jazz Musician Paquito D'Rivera

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks with NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera about a life in music.

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to acclaimed jazz musician Paquito D'Rivera about his relationship with Dizzy Gillespie, what inspires him today and his favorite Chicago memories.

“Writing and touring, and playing with other people is like being in heaven for me” - Paquito D’Rivera talking about his passion for making music.

Paquito D’Rivera

NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera has been doing what he loves most since he was five years old, making music. The 70-year-old, 14-time Grammy award winner still records, tours and composes on a regular basis. D’Rivera will be performing at Symphony Center in Chicago on Friday March 8. Just as the Cuban-born virtuoso refuses to limit himself to one instrument, he plays saxophone and clarinet, he also doesn’t like to be boxed into a single genre. D’Rivera explores jazz, classical, Latin American music and all things in between.

The “Paqman” Paquito D’Rivera

One of D’Rivera’s most significant mentors was Dizzy Gillespie. Check out this clip of the two greats on stage.

Paquito D’Rivera and his quintet will be performing at Symphony Center on March 8.

Go to CSO.org for more info