Widely considered to be one of the most important jazz musicians working today, Venezuelan pianist and composer OTMARO RUIZ is known for his unsurpassed virtuosity and versatility at the instrument, as well as for the lyricism and complexity of his compositions. A true jazz giant, he is at ease in all styles of music, from straight-ahead jazz to pop, rock, salsa, Afro-Cuban and fusion. One of the most sought-after session keyboardists in Los Angeles, Ruiz has performed in virtually every major international jazz festival and has won recognition and multiple awards for his composition and film scoring.

His pianistic abilities notwithstanding, it is mainly through composition that Ruiz communicates his profound sensibilities and command of the art form. In addition to his extensive discography as a sideman and collaborator, Ruiz' original compositions and work as a leader can be found on the albums Otmaro Ruiz plays Ryuichi Sakamoto, Distant Friends, Nothing to Hide, Latino and in his newest release, Sojourn.

Featuring Jimmy Branly on drums, Carlos Del Puerto on bass and Ben Wendel on woodwinds, Sojourn is aptly titled, as it truly captures this artist in the midmost of his artistic journey. Filled with joy, it encompasses the rhythmic complexity, harmonic sophistication and melodic beauty of his compositions, all under the architecture of a constant equilibrium, which reflects his love and respect for all styles of music.

Ruiz will be supporting the album with a number of dates in the Los Angeles area:

DECEMBER

Otmaro Ruiz' Band at The World Famous Baked Potato (every first wednesday of the month) with special guests TBA (Dec. 2nd)

Performance with Brazilian great singer Teka at The Angeleno Hotel (Dec. 7th)

Performance with Bass legend Bunny Brunel's All Star Band (featuring Frank Gambale on guitar and Simon Phillips on drums) (Dec. 11th & 12th)

Performance with Jazz singer Denisse Donatelli at Vitello's Jazz Club, Toluca Lake, CA (Dec. 17th)

FUTURE TOURS

European Tour with CYRANO JAZZ (co-lead by Otmaro Ruiz, Bob Sheppard on sax, Israel Varela on drums and Alfredo Paixao on bass) APRIL 2010

European Tour with Frank Gambale's Natural High Trio (featuring Alain Caron on bass) promoting the new release “Natural Selection" JUNE-JULY 2010

Otmaro Ruiz' Quartet European Tour, promoting latest CD release “Sojourn", JULY-AUGUST 2010