Skip to content
Support local news and music. Support your community.
Support CapRadio. We wouldn't be here without you.
Support your community's local source for news and music. Support CapRadio. 
Donate Now

View thank you gift options

Capital Public Radio

Capital Public Radio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight with Beth Ruyak
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu

Speak No Evil Jazz blog

Capital Public Radio's discussion of an art form born in America and celebrated worldwide.

subscribe

 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

The Guy Who Makes The Best Cowbells

Friday, December 11, 2015 | Permalink

In The Bronx, there's a man who builds instruments for the world's great Latin percussionists: Tito Puente, Eddie Montalvo, Giovanni Hidalgo, Bobby Sanabria. He has no signs, no storefront, no advertising of any kind, but people from around the world call him for work. After all, nothing sounds quite like one of his handmade cowbells.

Calixto "Cali" Rivera's father was a guitar maker, and his son picked up the tradition of craftsmanship. But Cali gravitated to the drums — he's a timbale player — and made congas, bongos and other percussion instruments. These days, he specializes in high-quality cowbells of all sorts. He's in his late 70s, with only his wife for administrative support, yet he cranks out dozens a week.

Jazz Night In America recently visited Rivera at his JCR Percussion workshop to find out how, for nearly 40 years, he's transformed strong metal into strong bells.

Copyright 2015 WBGO and Jazz At Lincoln Center. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/series/347139849/jazz-night-in-america.
View this story on npr.org

 jazz night

Comments

Sign up for ReCap

and never miss the top stories

Delivered to your inbox every Wednesday.

Check out a sample ReCap newsletter.

More Jazz Posts

Sasha Samsanova/Courtesy of the artist

Harry Connick Jr. Celebrates The Music Of Cole Porter On 'True Love'

November 14, 2019

Steve Mundinger/Courtesy of the Hancock Institute

Evgeny Pobozhiy, Russian Prodigy, Wins International Jazz Guitar Competition

December 4, 2019

Ear To Ear: CapRadio Jazz Hosts’ Favorite Music Of The Decade

December 3, 2019

More From CapRadio Music

Julien Hekimian/Getty Images

Kanye West Announces An Opera (Which Isn't As Crazy As It Sounds)

November 18, 2019
Michel Porro/Getty Images

Famed Conductor Mariss Jansons, 76, Has Died

December 02, 2019
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Opera Star Vittorio Grigolo Fired By Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera

December 05, 2019
We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

More From CapRadio Music

Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

Met Opera Chief Peter Gelb Renews His Contract Through 2027

November 26, 2019
Uli Weber/Decca

Powerful Lungs And Long-Spun Lines: Cecilia Bartoli Conjures Farinelli

November 28, 2019

Ear To Ear: CapRadio Classical Hosts’ Picks For Best Music Of The Decade

December 03, 2019

Back to Top

  • 7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Recap Newsletter

Capital Public Radio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2019, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.