Artist description Based in London, self-managed, self-produced and independent solo artist, "eclectic" guitar/bass player, singer/songwriter. Colin Rivas envisages himself as a songwriter whose philosophy about music is that "music comes from ones heart... music is one common language..."

Music Style Pop,Rock Steady,Ska,Rai,Bossa Nova,Folk,Jazz,Country-New World Music

Musical Influences Aaron Copeland, Brian Miller, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Paco de Lucia, Pink Floyd, The Police

Similar Artists Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, David Gray, Manu Chao, Sting, Tracy Chapman, Colin Rivas

Artist History RIVAS has a lot to prove on his second solo effort, and he proves himself up to the task of establishing a distinctive identity as a solo artist. Instead of replicating his Arabic-tinged record 'Stand Back' style, he's ventured into new realms, hiring top drawer producer and session musician, Brian Miller,and Slavo-Arabic singer Dalinda to accompany him on the kind of harmonically sophisticated low key pop tunes he'd begun working on towards the end of his first album. "Since I started this project people have constantly referred to it as a pop album, which I disagree. It's nothing pop about it. Well, recording a pop album nowadays requires loads of money and people. And, really we've reduced it to a simple trio and a wee few guests. The contribution and commitment of all those involved made it more interesting and global rather than a personal statement, nonetheless, sometimes one can be revolutionary by keeping a low profile..." There's a touch of reggae on the open-hearted "One Day," "Feather of a crow," or "Don't let da people down" and even a funked-up original of those formerly abstract rock tunes from the eighties "Payback," but most of the tunes here (except the indie-Bob Dylanished "All that's left behind,"(funnily enough the most touching track on KOD) are the kind of literate, political, adult-friendly sophisto-acoustic-pop. King Of Dreams stands as one of his most commercial and memorable albums yet. "...looking at the songs, the prevailing theme is hope and joy I must admit, though, in a very obscure way"--David Greene studio session interview with RIVAS Dec 2002.(More on this interview go to Live Events page)

Group Members All members credited here have actively or passively participated in our records, Brian Miller: Co-producer, lots of instruments, programming, production etc, Pete Terry: Accordion and strings, Linda: backing vocals, Justin & Gian Franco: drums and programming, Parmjit: tablas, congas and bongos, Tracy: Strings, J. Duran: el escritor, Mark Blackwell: Printing and Graphic design, Photography: Prentoulis, Noa, Abel Asinamali. Gavin Mc Alinden: Videographer plus Colin Rivas on production, vocals, percussion, bass, guitars, and Keyboards.

Instruments Acoustic, Flamenco, Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar and Bass, Tablas, fiddles, string quartet, bongos, congas, timabales, turkish bells, shakers, tubular bells, mandolin,Harmonica, Drums, Udu drums, Keyboards, Synclavier,

Albums 1.Stand Back, 2.NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!! 'King Of Dreams'

Press Reviews "Emboldened by the enthusiastic response to the muted Stand Back,RIVAS' new record seen as a whole,is eclectic, ambitious-sometimes pretentious-but altogether worth owning. There are few entry points into 'The King Of Dreams'- and, once you get in there, it will reward you emotionally and spiritually.--Paul Blake " Rich, ambitious, intimate, sensible and elegant, the album is full of buoyed melodies reminiscent of country, pop, folk and jazz..."--(MCM.net France)

Additional Info Independent artist. All music and lyrics written by Colin Rivas (Always assisted by Brian Miller) write for more info to: colinrivas.com PO Box 45502 London, NW1 2XA England

Location London, LONDON - United Kingdom

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