Cub(an)ism is one of the latest solo albums by pianist, violist and composer Aruán Ortiz, which has received top accolades from Downbeat, All About Jazz and The Guardian, and has earned Ortiz a reputation as one of the most creative and original composers of his generation.

The Cuban-born artist draws inspiration from Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music but approaches these traditions from the unusual perspective of contemporary jazz and European modernism. Experimenter and provocateur, defying stylistic barriers in music, conceptualist, never losing his sense of meaning and purpose in his music – this is how scholars of his work describe him.

Since his arrival in America more than 15 years ago, Aruán Ortiz has been a prominent figure on the US progressive jazz and avant-garde scene. The Vermont College of Fine Arts composition graduate has enjoyed success in pursuing fellowships, residencies and titles since the beginning of his career. His albums have received top ratings in prestigious jazz magazines. His work has been praised not only by influential publications in the USA, but also in Canada, Japan and Europe.

Ortiz has toured and recorded with many jazz luminaries, including Wadada Leo Smith, Don Byron, Greg Osby, Wallace Roney, Nicole Mitchell, Cameron Brown, Michael Formanek, William Parker, Andrew Cyrille, Henry Grimes, Marshall Allen, Hamiet Bluiett, Oliver Lake, Graham Haynes, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Nasheet Waits. He is also active with his own trio and quartet, and is an indispensable member of saxophonist James Brandon Lewis’ Molecular Quartet.

His curiosity has taken him beyond jazz. He has collaborated with choreographers, filmmakers, writers and DJs on numerous occasions, composed music not only for jazz, but also classical ensembles, orchestras, dance companies and feature films, colouring it with Cuban rhythms and avant-garde improvisations.

He has been invited to teach at prestigious educational institutions in the USA and Europe.