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If there was a pianist who personified the term Latin Jazz it would have to be Hilton Ruiz. His knowledge, ability and technical skill in bop, blues, stride, avant garde, his innate talent for the Afro Cuban montuno,and his fusing of the genres made for a unique style that was all his own.
Born in New York City in 1952,of Puerto Rican parents, Hilton Ruiz was a piano prodigy who by the age of five was appearing on local television, playing church organ, and performing at Carnegie Hall by the time he was eight. After lifelong classical training he under took personal training under the great Mary Lou Williams. He would accredit this tutoring for laying the foundation of his musical career.
He played in local Afro Latin bands as a teen, but it would be jazz that would be his calling.While still in his teens he played with some of the best players in the New york area and started to build a strong reputation as a jazz man.In 1974, he became Rahsaan Roland Kirks' pianist, exposing him to the avant garde extractions of jazz.He performed on Kirks Case of the 3 Sided Dream in Audio Color, and The Return of the 5,000 pound Man. He remained and toured the world with Kirk until 1977.
He became part of the New York avant garde movement, and was also highly sought after as an accompanist for vocalists, recording sessions, and band member.
In 1975 he released Piano Man as his first effort as leader. This was a bop influenced session,recorded with a trio format.After many successful releases,and a transition from bop piano into more Latin flavors, in 1992 he recorded the critically acclaimed Manhattan Mambo, which is still one of his most popular to date.On the record Heroes,released in 1993, he pays tribute to his favorite and influential jazz figures.
Read moreRevisiting Latin Jazz Classics: Manhattan Mambo, Hilton Ruiz
Jazz Memorial for Hilton Ruiz Monday, October 23 7:30 p.m. At St....
Jazz Pianist Hilton Ruiz Dies at 54
Latinjazz Pianist Hilton Ruiz Passes
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Chico Freeman Quartet w/Hilton Ruiz Saturday, Oct 7th 8:00pm Creole...
Hilton Ruiz / Dave Valentin Latin Jazz Ensemble April 9, Camden County...
Jamie Cullum, Hilton Ruiz, Harold Mabern Added To Newport Jazz ...
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