Biography

Nelson Riveros is a New York City/International Jazz guitarist, composer and vocalist with an earned Masters Degree in Jazz Performance from the New Jersey City University, NJCU. He is part of an emerging force of a new generation of Contemporary Latin-Jazz artists. His latest hit recording ‘The Latin Side of Wes Montgomery” on ZOHO Music has spent 20 weeks on JazzWeek reaching to #2 for two weeks and 8 weeks in the Top 10. Nelson took several of the guitarists’ compositions and arranged them in different Latin and Caribbean rhythms creating a new fresh sound on Wes’ music.

Nelson has shared the stage and studio with great musicians in Jazz and Latin music like Hector Martignon, John Benitez, Mark Walker, Pat Bianchi, Craig Handy, Samuel Torres. Luis Bonilla, Alfredo De La Fe, Jeremy Wall of Spyro Gyra Billy Drewes, Scott Wentholt, Jim Seeley, John Mosca, Ivan Renta, Vince Cherico. Performed at the CD Release of MISTS: Charles Ives for Jazz Orchestra directed by Jack Cooper; Composer/arranger/instrumentalist – Pearl Wales Professor of Music, the University of Memphis.

His group has performed at The Iridium, Zinc Bar, 55 Bar, Jazz Forum, Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, La Lanterna/Bar Next Door, Minton’s, Bean Runner, Jazz On Main in Mt. Kisco, Miami, Jazz Is Back Festival in Grožnjan, Croatia and festivals through out the try state area as well as a tour of Colombia.

Nelson is also a dedicated educator who has taught at the acclaimed 92nd Street Y School of Music. This July 2023 Nelson taught the JM Summer Jazz School in Grožnjan, Croatia along with esteemed Faculty, trombonist Luis Bonilla, Alex Sipiagan – trumpet, Boris Kaslov – bass, John Riley, -Drums

His debut recording titled ‘Camino Al Barrio’ peaked at #8 on the Jazz Week World Music Chart. He was nominated among his peers as ‘Next Best Generation Artist’ and ‘Best Latin Jazz Guitar’ for the 2010 Latin Jazz Corner Best of The Year Awards.