The Cuban-American pianist and composer Aruán Ortiz has finally arrived on the international jazz scene, following a few earlier releases. His excellent new album "Hidden Voices" recorded as a trio with bass player Eric Revis and drummer Gerald Cleaver is the proof. Ortiz, who grew up in Santiago de Cuba, has been called the latest Cuban prodigy to arrive in the US. His carefully structured music is an exciting mix of contemporary classical sounds, afro-cuban rhythms and powerful jazz improvisation. All these elements are fused to make a very individual sound. “I was thinking about this album as a circle with no beginning and no end,” says Aruán Ortiz. After working with seven original works as well as tunes by Ornette Coleman and Thelonious Monk, the 42-year-old has turned to a traditional song “Uno, Dos y Tres, Que Paso Más Chevere,” that “everybody in Cuba knows from festivities and carnivals."
Aruán Ortiz: Piano, Composition
Eric Revis: Bass
Gerald Cleaver: Drums
Arturo Stable and Enildo Rasúa: Claves (on “Caribbean Vortex/Hidden Voices”)
All compositions written and arranged by Aruán Ortiz, except “Open & Close / The Sphinx”, written by Ornette Coleman, “Skippy”, written by Thelonious Monk, and “Uno, dos y tres, que paso más chévere”, written by Rafael Ortiz. “Joyful Noises” is a collective composition, written by Aruán Ortiz, Eric Revis & Gerald Cleaver. Recorded March 21, 2015, by Chris Allen at Sear Sound Studios. Mixed May 18 & June 5, 2015, by Chris Allen. Mastered Jun 15, 2015, by Michael Fossenkemper at TurtleTone Studios NY. Liner notes: Ted Panken. Cover art: Julio Girona. Photos: Jimmy Katz & Mariona Lloreta. Graphic design: Jonas Schoder. Produced by Aruán Ortiz and Intakt Records, published by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt