Cub(an)ism (Intakt)
Aruan Ortiz
Released June 16, 2017
DownBeat Five-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=yys1_s7bDoE&list=OLAK5uy_k5oRNZJOE403ZVt_mOsbbaEBPIF0FPKX0
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3aIaAGgyaHnxNvcMmprS9w?si=grpCkicOTDyRosBtmb4eYQ
About:
The acclaimed Cuban pianist and composer Aruán Ortiz, considered “an avatar of creative and progressive improvisation” (Ted Panken, Jazztimes Magazine) and a “first-rate” pianist (Nate Chinen, WBGO Jazz Radio), releases his solo piano album titled “Cub(an)ism”. This album was recorded by the engineer Martin Pearson in December 2016 at the Swiss National Radio in Zürich and produced by Intakt Records.
“Cub(an)ism is the result of an in-depth conversation with a range of musical idioms and styles, and various experiences from the phases of Ortiz’ life, in Cuba, Spain, France and the USA, which have formed his eclectic concept of music.
On this album, Ortiz’ pieces arise from specific ideas and moods, developed imperceptibly along systematic constructions spiked with the unexpected. Despite a certain adherence to system, the music on Cub(an)ism remains sensual at all times. Using clear but flexible systems, the music lives from structure and surprise. Crystalline structures are abruptly
dissolved, clear forms blurred like a reflection in stormy water, before resurfacing. Ortiz’ music breathes this magic, the allure of dancing structures”.
Florian Keller
Track Listing:
1. Louverture Op. 1 (Château de Joux) 5:59
2. Yambú 3:31
3. Cuban Cubism 10:46
4. Passages 7:46
5. Monochrome (Yubá) 3:33
6. Density (Golden Circle) 4:51
7. Dominant Force 2:32
8. Intervals (Closer to the Edge) 3:42
9. Sacred Chronology 3:24
10. Coralaia 5:25
Personnel:
Aruán Ortiz: piano
Recorded December 3 – 4, 2016, at Radio Studio, Zürich, by Martin Pearson
Mixed and Mastered by Martin Pearson
Cover Art: Gottfried Honegger
Grafic Design: Jonas Schoder
Photos: Francesca Pfeffer
Produced and published by Intakt Records, Patrik Landolt
In cooperation with Radio SRF 2 Kultur
Review:
With his 10th album as a leader, and his first solo recording since 1996’s debut Impresión Tropical, pianist Aruan Ortiz brings the spirit of his homeland, Cuba, into alignment with the visual art known as Cubism. More than a play on words, this remarkable collection veers away from what we’ve already heard from an array of young Cuban jazz pianists in recent years, but also remains firmly rooted in the Cuban musical tradition. Toques, rumba, yambú and AfroHaitian gagá permeate as Ortiz seamlessly and simply blends a virtuosic voice on piano with contemporary classical and jazz techniques, all while being subtly emotional. Quite a mean trick, by any musical standard. In short, the cat can play and distract you at the same time. Like Cubism, Ortiz’s playing is disorienting. Building a bridge between the visual arts and music is no easy feat, but in Ortiz’s music, one can hear how the pianist makes connections, looking, thinking and seeing as well as playing. Multiple perspectives pervade “Intervals (Closer To The Edge)” and “Passages,” pieces that ask us to listen deeply for new forms and sonic architecture. There’s a clear reorientation/disorientation on “Monochrome,” where structures are revised. The affect can be riveting, a new way to hear the piano as the rhythmic instrument it is. Like much of his now-burgeoning catalog, Cub(an)ism reflects Ortiz’s more implied jazz stance, one that includes an increasingly eclectic and an ongoing dive into other art forms.
John Ephland (DownBeat)
