Born: December 26, 1968 Primary Instrument: Percussion
About Taino Percussionist William Ruiz “Thanks to Will Ruiz for dedicated assistance with coordination throughout the Cerebral Caverns project.” -Reggie Workman. “Percussionist and Log drummer William Ruiz is preserving the music of indigenous people.” C.N.N News. “ Best of NYC” the village voice. October, 2003. “ ....music is creative “ Latin Film Festival. Madison Square Garden. “New York's percussiont Number one” Hot 97. William Ruiz (bandleader, solo percussionist,Mayahuacan, Master Log drummer, hand drummer), is one of today's most talented modern improvisational world music artists. Based in NYC, this young spirited Native American Taino Puerto Rican artist is the creative force behind a unique blend of improvisational world tribal percussion sounds. Ruiz was born in Elizabeth, NJ. Since December 2000, Ruiz has been documented for presenting the Taino Mayohuacan, the 12 tongue modern Log drum and Tribal drum set along with various percussion instruments to the people of NYC, nationally and internationally. His Log drum is a modern version of the Taino - Mayohuacan. It is known by many different Indigenous tribes worldwide by various other names. With his tribal drum set and the 12 tongue modern Log drum as his main instrument he entrances his audiences. Constantly provoking people to dance, Ruiz is a crowd pleaser. Influenced by Jazz Masters especially master acoustic bassist / Educator Reggie Workman. This talented drummer is behind the music for different dancers and dance companies. His music can be found on many film soundtracks and commercials. In November 2003, Documentary Film “ Pieces of Courage / In search of my cultural heroes” featuring John Leguizamo & NBC Star Judy Reyes. Music by William Ruiz and featured as a guest artist-.was nominted and received award for best Narrative in The Latin Film Festival Madison Square Garden. Other movies and films on his repertoire are “Bloody Streetz”, “My Garden State”, etc. Ruiz teaches Log drum at workshops and teaches individually as well. William performed live at Hot 97.1 Radio Station, Live at WBAI in New York. FEEL FREE TO CALL AND REQUEST HIS MUSIC FOR AIRPLAY at WBAI. Ruiz's first record debut was on Jay Rodriguez's “Olajope” recording featuring Jay's group ³Batidos², Cuban Pianist Chucho Valdez, percussionist Eddie Bobe, vibrophonist Bill Ware, electric bassist Yossi Fine and others. The second was his own “In New York”. A fast moving CD that has sold more than 200,000 copies individually. The third is the live CD “Cipriani” with Abdou Mboup & Jay Rodriquez. His own Solo album “Taino” - It will Rain” is a tribute to forest people worldwide. It takes the listener into the rainforest. “ My goal is to revive music of indigenous peoples and introduce this music to all audiences in a digestable way without sacrificing the integrity or the spirit of the music” says William. “ I bring to my audiences positive music that is grooving, steady flowing, and at times meditational.” Ruiz added. Upcoming Projects: William is currently working on a heavy percussive quartet recording with Jojo Kuo (Afrobeat & Jazz Drumset), Abdou Mboup (Talking Drums and Djembe), and Robert Ogarro (Bongos, Percussions) “The goal is to continue to distribute my first three recordings, continue to perform nationally / internationally and to make more records. My vision is to create forms of music that are filled with positive energy always remembering to think independently in my journey of music.” William comments.
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