Trumpet player Bill Ortiz offers up a melting pot of jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, and a twist on rap that would convert any non believer in the genre.
Ortiz has been honing his chops with the Santana touring band for many years now so it comes as no surprise that his solo effort From Where I Stand turns out to be first rate material.
After soaking up all the warmth of the Ortiz musical rays I walked away feeling that if Herb Alpert or Chuck Mangione had started their careers today then this is what it may sound like. This is not only a comparison in modern terms but a nod to his overall abilities as a musician and composer.
This cat is all over the place musically and he does it all very well playing the flugelhorn, trumpet, keyboards, then adds sampling and drum programming for good measure. I also appreciated the way Ortiz gave a generous sample of what he could do strictly instrumentally and then with lyrics. He deals out a full house in every aspect.
The opening track “Ayejaye” is a great way to kickoff the recording. The track is funky, smooth and lively, giving the listener a soft comfy musical chair to kick back in to get ready for everything that is about to happen next. Hats off to John “Jubu” Smith for nailing it with some great guitar breaks adding some twangy wah-wah effects in between Ortiz’s inviting flugelhorn and trumpet. It is a standout track and one of many that keep your interest throughout this CD. “I Still Believe” takes an entirely different road with some thought provoking lyrics about our world to close down the show.
Those are just two examples of an album that is a reflection of our world today culturally and musically. From Where I Stand this CD could not possibly offer the jazz listener with an ear to the ground listening for fresh new indie sounds more on one album.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 13, 2009
