Artist: Bill Ortiz
Album: From Where I Stand
Label: Tangent Records
Release date: July 14,2009

Bill Ortiz, a legendary name synonymous to San Francisco Bay Area music scene is set to launch his debut CD, “From Where I Stand” on July 14, 2009.

Bill Ortiz has started with his trumpet since he was still 10 year old, and when he reached his teens, he already became first chair trumpet in the San Francisco All-City Band. He continued to explore electronic music, expanding his ability, and now, after 25 years he has made himself as one of the most in-demand trumpet player on the Bay Area music scene, also on the entire west coast for two and a half decades.

Bill ORtiz has been a member of Carlos Santana‘s touring band since 2000, landing the gig after performing on the Santana’s 1999 smash single Smooth from the multi Grammy winning, 30-million selling smash CD, “Supernatural”. Ortiz also took part on the Grammy winning single “The Game of Love” from Santana’s 2000 album, “Shaman”. This is what Carlos Santana says about him. “Bill articulates the beautiful language of jazz without loosing the purity and innocence of a child.  It’s a wonderful experience to share music every night with him.”

Throughout his 25 years career in the music scene, Ortiz has worked together with many famous names other than Santana. His performing and recording tracks include working with Patti Austin, Destiniy’s Child, Beyonce Knowles, En Vogue, Sheila E, James Ingram, Tito Puente, Michelle Branch, Chick Corea, Lauryn Hill, Jon McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Todd Rundgren, Arturo Sandoval, Boz Scaggs, Tony!Toni!Toné, TLC, Johnny “Guitar” Watson, Steve Winwood, Cachao, Flora Purim And Airto, to name a few. Working together with such diverse artists over two decades undoubtedly has enriched the quality and style of this San Francisco native.

His sweet, full tone, clear, assertive and distinctive style is always great to listen, and now with his debut solo CD, “From Where I Stand”, we are going to see his personal taste of music. Through his experience working with such diverse artists mentioned before, I’m sure he will never want to be trapped only in one particular box, and that’s what he said as well. “I consider myself a jazz musician, but I’m not a purist at all, as my musical upbringing contains a wide variety of musical styles, including Latin, African, and Rhythm and Blues/Soul and Blues.   My musical voice in From Where I Stand  reflects all of those elements of who I am as a musician and a person.   Music is not only what I do, music is who I am.”

So, get ready to have “From Where I Stand”, the album that will appeal to all tastes, just like what Bill Ortiz himself states “a diverse musical journey”, that transcends his unique Neo-Soul, Nu Jazz and Funk influences. From sensual jazz, reggae touch to the sexy soulful tracks, you will witness a brilliant showcase of Bill’s prodigal trumpet playing also his masterwork in composition.

The album is set to relase July 14,2009. Don’t miss it.

Log on to Bill Ortiz’ official site and myspace

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