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His thoughts are conveyed, the message is clear. Ironic for someone who claims that words don't come easy. Adult contemporary singer/songwriter Jesse Rivera demonstrates passionate, rigid, chivalric elements in his album Words Just Don't Come Easy.
As a modern hero, being an airport crash & rescue firefighter in Hawaii, Jesse Rivera is trained to deal with intense, unexpected situations. Whether responding to a medical call or to a plane crashing into a paint warehouse minutes after takeoff, Jesse Rivera experiences the harsh drama of life in our modern world.
His understanding of reality is captured in his heartfelt singing of simple, yet strongly motivational lyrics and melodies.
Released during April 1995, Words Just Don't Come Easy, driven by the title track contentedly entered the local charts, displacing many stronghold artists who carry the Hawaii music industry. Since then five songs have become a staple in the Island and contemporary radio formats. In May 1996, the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts nominated Words Just Don't Come Easy for its Na Hoku Hanohano Award in the category of Contemporary Album of the Year.
Originally a gift to his father,
My Dad is reflective of a
child's compassion and family honor. It quickly became a
trademark for Jesse Rivera, being the most requested song for
two consecutive years throughout the state on Father's Day. "
'My Dad' - an original, not the 1962 Paul Peterson hit- is one of
those from-the-heart songs that easily could get rediscovered
here each June" said John Berger of the Honolulu
Star-Bulletin.
Words Just Don't Come Easy, an adult contemporary song with country flavor, relates to those times in life in which people suffer from the inability to verbally express their feelings. If I Dream, written by David Kahiapo, is a romantic duet reflective of the dreams lovers have of each other. The vocal blending (with vocalist Anna Marie Faurot) provides a solid, yet passionate texture.
The powerful love ballad To Live As One refers to the institution of marriage. Its tension/release melody parallels the continual building of a relationship.
The remake of Annie's Song demonstrates his appreciation of acoustic music, using slack key guitar tuning and a quatro solo. "Since I was a kid, I've always liked John Denver's music. This is one of my favorites that I always sang wherever I performed."
Jesse Rivera responds to others with his musical integrity. "I understand the needs for some words to be said. And when I do, it'll be from my heart and not my head," sings the American hero dressed to fight fire.