Luis Rivera - Filet of Soul + Las Vegas (Remastered) (2025) Hi-Res

Luis Rivera, born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Ohio, initially pursued psychology after graduating in 1948. However, his passion for music soon led him to leave his career as a clinical psychologist to fully embrace life as a musician.

As a pianist, Luis performed with Roy Milton’s band in Texas and later accompanied Billie Holiday at the Tiffany Club in Los Angeles in 1953. That same year, inspired by “Wild” Bill Davis’s organ sound, Luis adopted the Hammond organ and quickly gained recognition. He formed his first trio and performed at major venues like the Oasis, Morocco, and the Keyboard in Beverly Hills, while also recording tracks for the Federal label.

In 1957, Luis recorded his first album, Las Vegas, under the direction of producer John Dolphin, released on his Cash label. The album featured a sextet of talented musicians, including Barney Kessel, and captured Rivera’s distinctive organ sound and repertoire from his Las Vegas performances.

In 1961, while enjoying a successful run at Dynamite Jackson’s Lounge, Luis recorded his second album for Imperial Records, Filet of Soul, showcasing a blend of blues and ballads. The lineup that included Anthony Ortega (alto and flute), Lorenzo Holden (tenor), and Herb Ellis (guitar).

Luis continued performing at prominent Los Angeles clubs like Marty’s, the Moulin Rouge, and the Trocadero, while also touring nationally. By 1965, after an engagement at Herb Jeffries’ Flamingo Room, details about his career and personal life became scarce.

These two albums highlight Luis Rivera’s unique contributions to soul jazz, reflecting his mastery of the Hammond organ and his ability to create captivating grooves.

—Jordi Pujol