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Bill Ortiz: Points of View

By Nicholas F. Mondello
July 29, 2023
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Long associated with

Carlos Santana

guitar
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Carlos Santana, with whom he had a 16-year stint, trumpeter

" data-original-title="" title="">Bill Ortiz steps into the spotlight here with an auspicious and highly entertaining session. Ten selections showcase Ortiz who is supported by some of the Bay area's best. The order of the day is energy, excitement, and an overall superb show.

"Sunburst," an

Eddie Henderson

trumpet
b.1940

" data-original-title="" title="">Eddie Henderson tune, launches things with a pulsing piano, driving bass, textured rhythms and Ortiz wailing, first using a Harmon mute then an open horn over a deep percussion bed. "Alex the Great" keeps the exotica going up-tempo with Ortiz and saxophonist

Azar Lawrence

saxophone
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Azar Lawrence starting, and a fine

Matt Clark

guitar
b.1971

" data-original-title="" title="">Matt Clark piano solo.

Wilton Felder

saxophone, tenor
1940 - 2015

" data-original-title="" title="">Wilton Felder's "Aint Gon Change A Thang" is another burner with Latin overtones, featuring a fine Lawrence tenor solo, and Ortiz adding pedalled effects.

Ortiz is an outstanding modern player who, while reflecting the aforementioned Henderson,

Woody Shaw

trumpet
1944 - 1989

" data-original-title="" title="">Woody Shaw,

Miles Davis

trumpet
1926 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Miles Davis, and their influences, draws heavily on his electric, contemporary experiences with Santana, et al. With a fine sound, great range and fluidity, he commands his horn and it spews truth.

With homage to

Jaco Pastorius

bass, electric
1951 - 1987

" data-original-title="" title="">Jaco Pastorius, the ensemble presents a lengthy, expansive panorama of trumpeted Ortiz effects reverberating over fire- brand percussion on "Okonkole y Trompa." "A Toast to the People," a chant-like testimony is brilliantly delivered by vocalist

Terrie Odabi

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Terrie Odabi. "Fusion/Noche Cubana" is pure, unadulterated polyrhythmic frenzy, over which vocalist Christelle Durandy and both Ortiz and Lawrence thrive.

Wayne Shorter

saxophone
1933 - 2023

" data-original-title="" title="">Wayne Shorter's textured "Oriental Folk Song" has Ortiz and Lawrence stating the melody before a blue groove takes stage and each is blowing hard. "My Lord and Master" from The King and I closes things in a subdued, reverent manner.

Vocalist Terri Odabi is featured on two tracks and exhibits an inviting voice. The supporting group is outstanding; pianist Matt Clark, bassist

John Santos

percussion
b.1955

" data-original-title="" title="">John Santos, drummer,

Dennis Chambers

drums
b.1959

" data-original-title="" title="">Dennis Chambers and percussionists are all terrific as ensemble and soloists. The album's sound and other production values are impeccable.

Points of View from Bill Ortiz is a stellar performance in every regard. It is easily one of the best recordings released in 2023.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

Sunburst, Alex the Great, Ain't Gon Change A Thang, In Search of Truth, Okonkole y Trompa, A Toast to the People, Fusion/Noche Cubana, Ain't No Need in Crying, Oriental Folk Song, My Lord and Master.

Personnel

Bill Ortiz

trumpet

Matt Clark - Piano

piano

Azar Lawrence

saxophone

Marcus Shelby

bass

John Santos

percussion

Dennis Chambers

drums

Javier Navarrette

percussion

Terrie Odabi

vocals

Sandy Griffith

vocals

Larry Batiste

vocals

Brian Jackson

piano

Christelle Durandy

vocals

Juan Louis Perez

vocals

Marc Van Wageningen

bass, electric

Carl "The Rev" Wheeler

organ, Hammond B3

Additional Instrumentation

Bill Ortiz: flugelhorn, effects; Matt Clark: Fender Rhodes; John Santos: percussion, lead vocals, background vocals; Javier Navarrette: background vocals; Terri Odabi: background vocals;

Album information

Title: Points of View | Year Released: 2023 | Record Label: Left Angle Productions

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