Cali Rivera: Cowbell Maker

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 call him from around the world for work: After all, there's nothing quite like one of his handmade cowbells.

Calixto "Cali" Rivera's father was an instrument maker, and he picked up the tradition. He once made congas, bongos and other drums, but these days he specializes in cowbells of all sorts. He makes them with machines he designed himself, with only his wife for support.

Jazz Night In America visited him at his JCR Percussion workshop to find out how he makes strong metal into strong bells.--PATRICK JARENWATTANANON

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