Manuel Rivera has established an impressive music career over the past 51 years. Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, he was raised in the vibrant Lower East Side, known as Loisaida. In 1973, he launched his musical career as a Bongo player in a Latin workshop band, which subsequently transformed into Orchestra Yambu under the direction of bassist Ramon Rodriguez and pianist Milton Hamilton. Yambu quickly made a name for itself with its Latin Jazz style and the disco hit "Sunny," which marked Rivera's first significant recording.

 

In 1975, Rivera wrote the compelling song "Chango" for Conjunto Saoco, powerfully performed by Henry Fiol. That same year, he recorded his inaugural album with Yambu, and in 1977, he composed "Mambo Charanga," a standout track on the album African Queen. Rivera has diligently studied a variety of folkloric rhythms, Bata drums, sight reading, and the essential disciplines of musicianship and band leadership at the Harbor's Conservatory of Music for Boys and Girls in El Barrio, New York City, under the esteemed guidance of Maestro Louie Bauzo.

 

In 1977, Rivera confidently transitioned to playing Timbales within the Charanga genre with Orchestra Sublime of New York City, simultaneously recording his debut album while playing both Bongo and Timbales under the T.R. Label. He continued to assert his presence in the industry with a second album in 1978 under the TTH Label. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he flourished as a freelance musician, collaborating with a wide array of artists across New York City. His notable contributions include performances alongside bassist William Millan of the original Conjunto Saoco, as well as acclaimed vocalists Henry Fiol, Ray Ramos, and Luis Ayala.

 

Manuel Rivera has established himself as a prominent figure in the Latin music scene, performing with renowned groups such as Yerason, the MTG All Stars Orchestra under the direction of Hector Leguillow, Joe Quijano at Lincoln Center, and numerous other talented artists throughout his illustrious career. In 2002, he rejoined Sublime, now known as SonSublime, contributing to their albums Gran Reserva and Bailando Con Sonsublime while playing timbales and bongo until 2015. His musical influences include iconic orchestras such as La Perfecta by Eddie Palmieri, Conjunto Libre, Orchestra Broadway, and Orchestra Aragon. Rivera’s lifetime commitment to Latin music was recognized with the David Melendez Award, honoring his relentless effort to promote the Charanga genre.

 

In 2016, Manuel Rivera took bold steps to realize his dream by founding his own orchestra, blending classical charanga with conjunto sounds. This innovative approach included the incorporation of trombones alongside flute and violins, which he aptly named "el chajunto." Thus, Son Del Monte emerged as a dynamic New York orchestra that creates a distinctive charanga/conjunto sound. The group pays homage to legendary orchestras of the past while adding their own unique swing. Rivera's music captivates audiences, fostering an infectious energy that resonates with both listeners and dancers alike. 

 

Son Del Monte boasts an exceptional lineup of 11 or 12 musicians from various parts of the Latin community, including Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain, and New York, all of whom are among the most talented and professional musicians in the industry today.  Son Del Monte has graced several prestigious venues, including the David Rubenstein Lincoln Center Atrium, Carnegie Hall, the Baltimore Latino Festival, Maryland Live Casino, and the Yonkers Empire Casino earning accolades like the Taino National Entertainment Digital Media (TANAE) Award for Band of the Year 2018 and nominations for 2019. Additionally, their featured presence on Marty Cohen's YouTube Congahead Video Productions has garnered significant attention, with each video, "Herman" and "Vengo De Nueva York," surpassing 15,000 views. 

 

Son Del Monte proudly released two CDs now available on all digital media platforms. The first album, Son Del Monte: Una Charanga Con Algo Mas, showcases three impressive tracks: “Rumba Omelenko,” featuring lead singer Luis Ayala and arranged by Charlie Garcia; “Vengo De Nueva York,” with lead singer Luis Soto, arranged by Charlie Garcia and Willie Millan; and “Vamonos Pa' Senegal,” honoring Gil Suarez with lead singer Armando Jimenez and arrangements by Charlie Garcia. This recording features the original lineup of Son Del Monte, highlighting their incredible musicianship. 

 

The second CD, Son Del Monte y Los Macheteros: Como Te Gusta A Ti, includes standout tracks such as “Ella No Baila Sola” led by Armando Jimenez, arranged by Charles Garcia; “Los Macheteros,” and “Herman” led by Luis Ayala; “Pa'La Ocha Tambo” featuring Luis Soto Jr. 

 

For those interested in previewing or purchasing the songs, please visit https://sondelmonte.hearnow.com/una-charanga-con-algo-mas

 https://sondelmonte.hearnow.com/son-del-monte-y-los-macheteros-como-te-gusta-a-ti. 

​

Son Del Monte embodies the essence of Latin music with an unmatched energy and creativity that leaves a lasting impression at every performance.