Michael Rivoira

Filmmaker MICHAEL RIVOIRA finds inspiration from the exceptional artists in his midst. He began working with film and video, formulating plans for a documentary about living jazz artists, talking with bassists Eric Revis (Branford Marsalis’ band), Avishai Cohen ( Chick Corea, Avishai Cohen Trio ) and Christopher “CT” Thomas ( Joshua Redman,, Betty Carter, etc.). He teamed up with Lars Larson and John Comerford to bring Icons Among Us: jazz in the present tense to fruition. Rivoira has conducted all of the interviews for the series, as well as working as researcher, and artist contact. By mixing the mediums of music and film, Michael hopes to convey his belief that music is a spiritual experience and the jazz icons among us, if given a chance, can make that experience more tangible and relevant for us all.