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Aruán Ortiz
Pianist, violist, and composer Aruán Ortiz – born in Santiago de Cuba, and resident of Brooklyn – has been an active figure in the progressive jazz and avant-garde scene in the US for more than 15 years.
Named “one of the most creative and original composers in the world” (Lynn René Bayley, The Art Music Lounge), he has written music for jazz ensembles, orchestras, dance companies, chamber groups, and feature films, incorporating influences from contemporary classical music, Cuban Haitian rhythms, and avant-garde improvisation. Aruán consistently strives to break stylistic musical boundaries.
Since his arrival in the United States, Aruán has played, toured, or recorded with jazz luminaries such as Wadada Leo Smith, Don Byron, Greg Osby, Wallace Roney, Nicole Mitchell, Cameron Brown, Michael Formanek, William Parker, Adam Rudolph, Andrew Cyrille, Henry Grimes, Marshall Allen, Hamiet Bluiett, Oliver Lake, Rufus Reid, Graham Haynes, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Nasheet Waits. He has also collaborated with choreographers José Mateo, Danis Mora, and Milena Zullo; filmmakers Ben Chace, Mariona Lloreta, and Mónica Rovira; poets Abiodun Oyewole from The Last Poets; writer/poet/filmmaker Mtume Gant; DJ Logic and Val Jeanty Inc.; and renowned German writers Angelika Hentschel and Anna Breitenbach.
Aruán has received numerous accolades including the Composer Fellowship Award at Vermont College of Fine Arts (2016); the Doris Duke Impact Award (2014); the Composers Now Creative Residency at Pocantico Center of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund (2014); the Jerome Foundation Travel & Study Grant (2013); Latin Jazz Corner’s Arranger of the Year (2011) for his contribution on the album, “El Cumbanchero” by flutist Mark Weinstein (Jazzheads, 2011); Fundación Autor, SGAE, and Generalitat de Catalunya study grants (2002); Semifinalist, Jas Hennessy Piano Solo Competition, Montreux, Switzerland (2001); and Best Jazz Interpretation, Festival de Jazz in Vic, Spain (2000).
He also performed on Grammy Award winning singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding’s trio debut album, "Junjo" (Ayva Música, 2006). All About Jazz said, “The trio has…splendid flashes of precision from pianist Aruán Ortiz who is excellent throughout.”
His 2010 album "Alameda" (Fresh Sound New Talent), which combines modern jazz, contemporary classical music, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, received four stars from the UK based magazine Jazzwise and was named one of the top ten jazz CDs of the year. In response to the quartet's second album, "Orbiting" (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2012), DownBeat magazine called Aruán "...one of the most versatile and exciting pianists of his generation." The album also received four stars from Jazzwise Magazine and Jazz Journal in the UK, and was chosen as one of the top ten contemporary jazz albums of 2012 by Something Else! webzine.
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Aruán Ortiz: Pastor's Paradox
![Read "Pastor's Paradox" reviewed by Alberto Bazzurro](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/a7aca1a4dd174110917e424cbb0975d4.jpg)
by Alberto Bazzurro
Eccellenti i brani solo strumentali, a tratti un po' verbosi, zavorrati (come accade spesso, del resto) quelli con l'aggiunta di Mtume Gant alla dizione": si potrebbe sintetizzare così questo album del pianista cubano (ma da oltre vent'anni di stanza negli USA) Aruán Ortiz, ma sarebbe ovviamente eccessivamente semplicistico. Allora diciamo che anche gli episodi con voce aggiunta (tra i quali deve rientrare pure il conclusivo No Justice, No Peace, Legacy!," dove lo slogan del titolo viene proferito ...
read moreAruán Ortiz: Pastor's Paradox
![Read "Pastor's Paradox" reviewed by Karl Ackermann](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/a7aca1a4dd174110917e424cbb0975d4.jpg)
by Karl Ackermann
When clarinetist and saxophonist Don Byron and pianist Aruán Ortiz teamed up for the recording of Random Dances And (A)Tonalities (Intakt Records, 2018) they brought an unprecedented wealth of stylistic experiences to the studio. The result was an unconventional duo sound that blurred the distinctions between their collective comfort zones. Byron and Ortiz return on the gorgeous Pastor's Paradox, sounding joined at the hip and untethered, simultaneously. In this (mostly) quartet setting, Byron and Ortiz are joined by ...
read moreIvo Perelman / Arun Ortiz / Lester St. Louis: Prophecy
![Read "Prophecy" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/374777fc924e44eeafa377fff0c68cd9.jpg)
by Mike Jurkovic
Movies run through our heads all the time and Prophecy, the latest excursion into the unruly unknown by tenor saxophonist and tireless creator Ivo Perelman and his two latest partners-in-crime, pianist Aruan Ortiz and cellist Lester St. Louis is just the soundtrack for them. Boisterous, disconcerting, consoling. Musically obtuse yet oddly accessible for the love scenes and elegies. Music restless for the reveal. Hypnotic themes for the terse encounters between lead characters or the silent parsing of the ...
read moreAruán Ortiz, Ferg Quill, Simon Lucaciu, Papanosh & More New Releases
![Read "Aruán Ortiz, Ferg Quill, Simon Lucaciu, Papanosh & More New Releases" reviewed by Ludovico Granvassu](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
by Ludovico Granvassu
Organ grooves, a take on the Jackson Five opened by the merciless beat of an Ornette Coleman alumnus, a few compelling debut albums, the ongoing collaboration between Aruán Ortiz and James Brandon Lewis, the return of Joshua Abrams' meditations for large ensemble and more make this week's playlist worth your attention... Happy listening! PlaylistBen Allison Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" Mondo Jazz Theme 0:00 Ari Joshua, Skerik feat. Delvon Lamarr, Grant Schroff ...
read moreAruán Ortiz Trio: Serranias: Sketchbook For Piano Trio
![Read "Serranias: Sketchbook For Piano Trio" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/a152bf8fd3bad3e16a5402d7ad990694.jpg)
by Dan McClenaghan
Pianist Aruan Ortiz hails from Santiago de Cuba, but he has resided in the United States for two decades. Musically he is a first cousin to pianist Matthew Shipp with his approachable and often intense and avant-garde keyboard style; and he seems a stylistic grandson to Thelonious Monk with his joyful angularities and off-kilter interludes. But he is the son of Cuba, his music mixing in a cubist way the island nation's toques, rumbas, son and conga, tinted at times ...
read moreJames Brandon Lewis Quartet: Molecular Systemic Music Live
![Read "Molecular Systemic Music Live" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/e75d46235e9d0bd25d52cd4e1b8ce224.jpg)
by Dan McClenaghan
With Molecular Systemic Music Live, saxophonist James Brandon Lewis and his quartet present the compositions of his 2020 album Molecular. The difference is that things are a good deal more stretched out. The music has gone from a single CD to a two CD package. With the extended tunes, the musiciansespecially pianist Aruan Ortizget more opportunity to explore the permutations of the compositions, and the compositions have more fire, more searing energy. The music is freer. Opening with ...
read moreBrass And Ivory Tales
![Read "Brass And Ivory Tales" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/ed385a1a4f8066d86522263b58cabeb4.jpg)
by Hrayr Attarian
Innovative saxophonist Ivo Perelman celebrates his 60th birthday with the release of a magnum opus, Brass And Ivory Tales. Recorded over a period of seven years, this nine-volume box set is impressive in both its depth and breath as it matches Perelman with a different piano master per disc. The improvised duets are usually the first documented meeting between the two musicians and the instant and rapidly evolving synergy is fresh and thrilling. Both remarkable and expected is Perelman's ability ...
read moreMichaël Attias Presents "Nerve Dance" Featuring Aruán Ortiz, John Hébert & Nasheet Waits
![Michaël Attias Presents "Nerve Dance" Featuring Aruán Ortiz, John Hébert & Nasheet Waits](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/NerveDance-cover.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
Available March 10, 2017 on Clean Feed Records Like a high-quality electronic product manufactured by the Panasonic Corporation, the career of alto saxophonist Michaël Attias has always involved being slightly ahead of his time...”—Ken Waxman, JazzWord Nerve Dance—saxophonist/composer/bandleader/conceptualist Michaël Attias’ sixth album (available on Clean Feed Records, March 10, 2017), which deals with the aesthetics of spontaneity, the theory of elasticity and the concept of equality in music, is an expansive, spirited debut from Michaël Attias’ new Quartet, featuring Aruán ...
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Whirlwind Recordings Releases: The Aruan Ortiz And Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned In London
![Whirlwind Recordings Releases: The Aruan Ortiz And Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned In London](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
Whirlwind Recordings Proudly Releases: The Aruan Ortiz and Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned in London U.S. Release Date: January 29, 2013 Featuring: Greg Osby, Raynald Colom & Rudy Royston! ONE OF THE MOST TALKED ABOUT GIGS AT THE 2011 LONDON JAZZ FESTIVAL took place at the Pizza Express on Soho's Dean Street by the Aruán Ortiz and Michael Janisch Quintet. On January 29, 2013 Whirlwind Recordings will release this critically acclaimed performance in the U.S. Banned In London has garnered ...
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Enter the "Aruan Ortiz & Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned in London" Giveaway at All About Jazz!
![Enter the "Aruan Ortiz & Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned in London" Giveaway at All About Jazz!](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/5755e9eb25ce5bdd5db8fa68ede7eb2e.jpg)
Source:
All About Jazz
All About Jazz members are invited to enter the Whirlwind Recordings Aruan Ortiz & Michael Janisch Quintet - Banned in London giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on February 4th. Click here to enter the contest
(Becoming a fan of Michael Janisch at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.)
Good luck! Your Friends at Whirlwind Recordings About Banned in London
One of the most talked about gigs at the ...
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Bob Gluck & Aruan Ortiz: "Textures And Pulsations: CD Release Concert
![Bob Gluck & Aruan Ortiz: "Textures And Pulsations: CD Release Concert](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/BRE_0679sm.jpg)
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Robert Gluck
Pianists Bob Gluck and Aruán Ortiz will celebrate the release of Textures and Pulsations," their new duet recording on Ictus Records at the Booklyn-based Shapeshifter Lab on Thursday, February 7. The 9pm show will feature improvisational works for two pianos, Moog Synthesizer, and digital processing. The duo's improvisations range across genres and musical forms, and feature poignantly etched live electronics, creating a colorful, virtuosic brew of subtly shifting textures, lyrical melodies, and great grooves. Dave Sumner (eMusic Jazz Picks") writes: ...
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This Friday, April 27 - Pianist/composer Aruán Ortiz & Camerata Urbana Ensemble CD Release Party @ Ibeam
![This Friday, April 27 - Pianist/composer Aruán Ortiz & Camerata Urbana Ensemble CD Release Party @ Ibeam](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
Pianist/Composer ARUÁN ORTIZ & CAMERATA URBANA ENSEMBLE CD RELEASE PARTY Presenting Music From Their New CD SANTIARICAN BLUES SUITE" (Sunnyside Records) IBEAM MUSIC This Friday, April 27th @ 8:30PM Aruán Ortiz, piano, compositions Zoe Hillengas, flute Machiko Ozawa, violin Lynn Bechtold, violin Edmundo Ramirez, viola Brian Sanders, cello Pedro Giraudo, bass Enildo Rasúa, percussion Fransua Sayas, percussion
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Pianist/composer Aruan Ortiz Presents A Musical Unit In Perpetual Motion On His New Recording, "Orbiting"
![Pianist/composer Aruan Ortiz Presents A Musical Unit In Perpetual Motion On His New Recording, "Orbiting"](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
Pianist/Composer Aruán Ortiz Presents a Musical Unit in Perpetual Motion on His New Recording, Orbiting (Available May 29, 2012 on Fresh Sound/New Talent) Orbiting features The Aruán Ortiz Quartet: Aruán Ortiz (piano), David Gilmore (guitar), Rashaan Carter (bass), Eric McPherson (drums) Aruán Ortiz Appearances Aruán Ortiz Residency at IBeam, Brooklyn, every Friday in April Aruán Ortiz 4tet, Celebrating the release of Orbiting at Smalls, April 10, 8:30-11:00 PM, featuring JD Allen, Rashaan Carter & Eric McPherson About Aruán Ortiz Jazz ...
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Aruan Ortiz Featuring Antione Roney - Alameda (2010)
![Aruan Ortiz Featuring Antione Roney - Alameda (2010)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/2010/helpinghands100x100.jpg)
Source:
Something Else!
By PicoWallace Roney's live album that bowed last spring is a good record for several reasons, first and foremost because of the trumpet player's dexterity on the brass horn. In our brief review of If Only For One Night, I didn't have room to say much about the contributions of his band, but it should be noted that Mr. Roney doesn't haul around a bunch of slouches with him when he performs live. For one, his keyboardist is ...
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The Quintet Featuring Aruan Ortiz Live at the Cornelia Street Cafe on July 16!
![The Quintet Featuring Aruan Ortiz Live at the Cornelia Street Cafe on July 16!](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
"Ortiz and his quartet explore a broad landscape of musical styles, performance techniques, and compositional strategies on Alameda, an inspired collection of diverse pieces." --Chip Boaz, The Latin Jazz Corner
Mr. Ortiz, a young Cuban pianist with a modern jazz pedigree, leads a promising ensemble..." --Nate Chinen, New York Times
Jazz fans applaud, and novices mark your calendars. Aruán Ortiz, critically acclaimed Cuban pianist is a 'must see,'"--The New York Post
Utterly refreshing"--The Village Voice
The QuintetFeaturing Aruan Ortiz ...
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Fresh Sound/New Talent to Release Alameda from Aruan Ortiz on June 15
![Fresh Sound/New Talent to Release Alameda from Aruan Ortiz on June 15](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
"Mr. Ortiz, a young Cuban pianist with a modern jazz pedigree, leads a promising ensemble..." --Nate Chinen, New York TimesJazz fans applaud, and novices mark your calendars. Aruan Ortiz, critically acclaimed Cuban pianist is a 'must see,'" --The New York PostUtterly refreshing" --The Village Voice Alameda features Aruan Ortiz (piano & Rhodes), Abraham Burton (saxophone: 1,2,4,6,7,8), Antoine Roney (saxophone: 2,4,8), Peter Slavov (bass), Eric McPherson (drums)Jazz pianist Aruan Ortiz, the latest Cuban ...
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Aruan Ortiz Trio: Free Concert at Mason Gross Performing Arts Center
![Aruan Ortiz Trio: Free Concert at Mason Gross Performing Arts Center](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/b618938158e7c575c8833969b237cb12.jpg)
Source:
Michael Ricci
New Brunswick, NJ -- Acclaimed pianist Aruan Ortiz brings his hypnotic blend of avant-garde jazz and world music to Nicholas Music Center on Thursday, February 11. The Aruan Ortiz Trio features the Grammy Award-nominated Ignacio Berroa on drums and Ed Howard on bass. Their appearance inaugurates Rutgers University's Common Purposes Concert Series.
You know there's all this musical depth (with Ortiz), but in performance he's able to build dynamically something from start to end," says Carlos Fernandez, an ethnomusicologist and ...
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"...one of the most versatile and exciting pianist of his generations." Downbeat
"an arriving of a major talent". Jazz Times
"A mark of quality on gigs and records" New York Times.
About Aruán Ortiz Quartet: "the calling card of a group of inventive, daring souls who are unbound by musical boundaries and will push them to their limit." The New York City Jazz Record
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Photos
Music
Pastor's Paradox
From: Pastor's ParadoxBy Aruán Ortiz
Singing Again
From: Beyond Other StoriesBy Aruán Ortiz
Lucero Mundo
From: Inside Rhythmic FallsBy Aruán Ortiz
Open & Close/The Sphinx
From: Hidden VoicesBy Aruán Ortiz
Koko
From: OrbitingBy Aruán Ortiz