Biography Luis Esteban Ortiz Ruiz aka Luis Perico Ortiz
Luis "Perico" Ortiz
Biography/Resume
Luis Ortiz, or "Perico", as the public more commonly knows him, is considered a painter of emotions. His music possesses a unique quality that directly moves people from all parts of the world. Luis "Perico" Ortiz has developed a strong following within the young Hispanic Community and has always taken the attitude that he is an artist for the "PUEBLO" (the masses).
From Classical to Pop, from Pop to Jazz, from Jazz to Latin-Jazz to Salsa, his music reflects the vast experience of one man in a span of more than thirty years.
Luis studied at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and at the University of Puerto Rico. He played professionally in the Symphony Orchestra as a guest soloist when studying at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico. Pablo Casals was his director. He has worked for all the TV. Stations in Puerto Rico and have served as first trumpeter for the most renowned hotels on the island. He has accompanied great artists such as Ann Margaret, Dionne Warwick, Diahann Carroll, Trini Lopez, Engelbert Humperdinck, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Paul Anka, The Supremes and many well-known international artists. In 1970 moved to New York where he develops himself as an artist/trumpeter, arranger, composer and Company Executive for the next twenty-five (25) years. He becomes one of the greatest trumpet players in the Latin American field as well as a renowned arranger, composer and producer. He develops a few companies. Sunrise Productions, Perico Records, Dialen Promotions Inc., Dialen Publisher (with representation in U.S., Europe and Japan) and Dialen Recording Studios. Now establish in his native land (Puerto Rico) to continue as an Artist, Arranger, Composer, Producer, (records, video-film and jingles) he opens his companies, Suave Instrumental & Dialen Publisher.
Chronological Events of most interest:
1970-1976 **** Works as a trumpetist, arranger, composer and producer for: Tito Puente, Machito, Mongo Santamaria, Tito Rodriguez, Fania All Stars (all label artists), Velvet De Venezuela, TH Rodven, and Johnny Pacheco.
1977 **** Record his first Solo Album under the label Turnstyle (subsidiary of Latin Percussion Corp.)
1978-80 **** Establish his Orchestra. Wins "Diplo" Trophy as best trumpetist of Puerto Rico. In New York during the Latin New York Magazine Awards celebrated in 1978 he was awarded with the following trophies; Trumpet Of The Year, Arranger Of The Year, Best Orchestra Of The Year and Musician Of the Year.
1981-87 **** Acknowledgment received in 1981 by Association De Cronistas De Espectáculos {ACE} as best interpreter of Salsa/Música Caribeña. Among with Julio Iglesias. In 1982 once again he received another Acknowledgment by ACE as Best New York Orchestra. During the Summer Of 1987 Compose and Direct the Score for the movie "Mondo New York" with Johnny Pacheco. With his Orchestra he travels extensively all over U.S.A., Puerto Rico, South America, Central America and Europe.
1988-93 ****During the year 1988 produced, arrange and direct musically Mr. Barry Manilow. Project "Hey Mambo". During the same year he opens his company Dialen Promotions Inc. Become the first latin company that offers multiples' services in the production and recording area with his own recording studios (3 Rooms) Analog/Midi. Through his involvement with the company, "Perico" gets involve in the area of "advertising" producing, composing, sound engineering and arranging "Jingles" for Radio and Television, Videos and Film Scoring. Some of his accounts where: Heublein Spirit Group (Smirnoff Account), Castor Advertising (McDonalds), Uniworld Advertising (Kodak), Max Mambru Films, Blaze Productions, Johnn Casablancas/Elite Modeling (Film Scoring & Music Composition/72 minutes), Polaroid, HBO, Channel 47 Television Campaign "Contigo Siempre" and many mores. In 1992 he tours all over Japan with his Orchestra.
1993 **** Returns to his country, Puerto Rico, and immediately establish his NEW company, Luis Perico Ortiz Productions Inc.
1994 **** Establish business relationship with his new clients Disney Corp., Buena Vista Television (California), There Goes The Neighborhood y Quincy Jones Office. For Disney Corp. produced part of the music for the Television Special "Navidad En Las Americas". For the Quincy Jones Office produced music segments for the historic event "Western Hemisphere Summit" for 34 presidents and dignitaries of the Western Hemisphere. These projects were televised to hundreds of countries simultaneously.
1995 **** Participates as a guest artist in a Tour for the country of Colombia (RMM Records "La Combinación Perfecta") where he performed to, in a total of four (4) concerts, more than 250,000 personas. As a Latin Jazz Artist "Perico" performs with his Latin Jazz group at the "Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest '95.
1996 **** Makes conferences and workshops of latin jazz in Aruba during Carnaval Season. Records his latest CD Production as a Solo Artist "Café Con Leche Y Dos De Azúcar" under the label RMM Records & Video Corp. Inaugurate his New Orchestra during the "Salsa's National Day" in Puerto Rico, March 10th with an audience of 25,000 salsa lovers.
1997 **** Produced and Directed a recording for Sweet Basil Inc. (Japan Record Co.) Artist: Yoshihito Fukumoto. Style: Salsa, Rap, Pop, Hip-Hop, Latin Jazz & Contemporary/Semi Classical. Produced and arranged for José Nogueras 1997 Christmas project. Made history when performing for the first latin jazz festival in Barranquilla, Colombia (BarranquiJazz Fest '97). He shared his performance with Paquito D'Rivera and Gonzalo Rubalcaba.
1998 **** During the first week of January, Perico was a special guest artist for Lucesita Benitez concerts' series at Bellas Artes, Puerto Rico. He produces, arrange, perform and compose (*) Tommy Olivencia's latest CD for PolyGram Records. He appears as a Special Guest Artist for Domingo Quiñones concert series at Bellas Artes, Puerto Rico. He produces himself a CD under Suave Instrumental Label of instrumentals with a format of Boleros, Cha-Cha, Jazz Pop & Salsa.
On October 26, 1998 "Perico" releases his latest work..."EMOCIONES.
(*) "ASI ES QUE ME GUSTA" composer: L.P.O.
1999 **** He was the Musical Director for Iglesia Del Nazareno De Levittown ministries. He also developed a music school (Harmony School of Music). He also opened a recording studio at the school facilities to serve as a producer, arranger, computer programmer, musician, etc. It will serve his company (Suave Instrumental) as well as outside work (productions, arrangements, record companies, etc.) We will have an Art & Design department. During the month of January "Perico" performed in Panama. A superb experience. He plays with a local band formed by Panamanians in his majority. Also Roberto Lugo accompanies "Perico" during his concert. After his last performance together in Miami, Luis Perico Ortiz and Arturo Sandoval meet again. This time in Puerto Rico. It is a historical event since is the first time they perform together in the Island. It was a memorable evening. "My respect to a true virtuoso". Perico performed as a guest artist for the Historical Tribute to Hector Lavoe. It took place in Puerto Rico.
2000 **** During the beginning of year 2000 Perico establish more his commitment with Harmony School Of Music. He released four (4) of his master's catalog in CD format. They are: "Sabroso", "Sabor Tropical", "El Isleño" & "In Tradition". They have vocals from Domingo Quiñones and Roberto Lugo. Also was release in CD format his first solo album, "My Own Image" originally under Turnstyle Records, a Martin Cohen company (Latin Percussion). Perico just finish his latest production with guest artists such as Domingo Quiñones, Bobby Valentin, Papo Lucca, Cachete Maldonado, Endel Dueño, Elias Lopéz, Rafi Torres and many more. The project is call "Jamming" and will be released under the AJ RECORDS label. One of the most important assets to his live is ISABEL ANNA, his "nieta". Born March 31-2000.
2001 **** "Perico" is currently serving as Producer and A & R Director for AJ Records (sister company of Casa De Los Tapes). He just finished the production of Tommy Olivencia 40 Aniversario/LIVE
2002 **** Wins the TU MUSICA award as the best Christmas production. Produced Ray Barreto LIVE 50th Anniversary, Lunna Bohemia, Los 100 años de Andy Montanez LIVE fro Centro De Bellas Artes, Rie Akagi from Japan and he scores the music for a Japanese cartoon.
2003 **** Produces the first Puerto Rican Master live concert direct from the Tito Puente Amphitheatre.
2004 **** Produces the first SALSA GOSPEL concert and a DVD release. He participates as professor of the Conservatory of Puerto Rico. His roll appoints him as a Faculty Member for the Jazz Performance & Caribbean Music Bachelor Degree. He produces a tribute concert and DVD for Marvin Santiago. Produces a Christmas production concert and CD-DVD for ACISUM GROUP & UNIVERSAL MUSIC.
2005 **** Perico compose, arrange, orchestrate and produces the sound track for the TV movie "Pa' Eso Estamos by Jacobo Morales. Second year in a roll he is invited to be part of the production staff for the BANCO POPULAR Christmas special. He is selected to be the intellectual artist for the TV series HUELLAS MUSICALES. The producers will work to create a retrospective of his musical contribution so far to the music in general.
2006 **** Currently very active with the Conservatory Of Music Of Puerto Rico and as the front of his business (Suave Instrumental & Dialen Publisher.) Visits Columbia Collage of Chicago to give Master Classes and concerts with Jon Faddis, Eddie Gomez and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico Jazz Performance and Caribbean Music faculty. Produces Japanese flautist Rie Akagi. He visits France as a guest artist for the TORO & SALSA Festival (September 9-11).
2007 **** Perico was officially named “Artist In Residence” for the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico along with fellow musicians Eddie Gomez and David Sanchez. He represents the Jazz Performance & Caribbean Music Bachelor Degree. March 23 he started his world tour in Puerto Rico with his original singers, Rafael De Jesus y Roberto Lugo. He will perform through out the year with his Salsa Band, Latin Jazz Big Band and his Latin Jazz Combo as well as his Master Classes in Schools, Colleges and Universities around the globe.
2008 **** At the Forty Five (45) Graduation of the Music Conservatory of Puerto Rico, Maestro Luis Perico Ortiz was invited to be the Main Speaker to the 2008 Class. An Honor and historical event in his life. Perico enter the CMPR in 1966 and his dream came thru when he graduates the first class for the Jazz & Afro Caribbean Bachelor degree 2008. He was assigned to be the Artist Director for the new Plaza Gigante de la Musica of Carolina, Puerto Rico.
2009 **** Perico is assign to be the Music Consultant for Escuela De Bellas Artes De Carolina. Also he is the current Artist Director for Special Events at Municipio Autónomo de Carolina. He went for the first time to Peru to the prestigious event CHIMPUM CALLAO. He played in front of a record audience of 42, 000 people.
2010 **** This year is emblematic to “Perico” since he is celebrating his 50th Anniversary as a musician. In January was given the PREMIO SAN SEBASTIAN for his career achievements. He also went to the Lehman Collage where he performed with his founder’s singers Rafael de Jesus and Roberto Lugo. He directed and produced for Carolina, P. R. the 6th Festival Internacional del Jazz de Carolina. He performed with Paquito D’ Rivera, Mario Grillo, Tito Puente Jr., Tito Rodriguez and Gilberto Santa Rosa.
In November he went for the first time to New Mexico where he was the invited guest artist for the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. The Maestro Mariano Morales invited him. He also performed with Mariano’s group a Latin Jazz Concert as well as a Master Class at the New Mexico University. A historic event.
2011 **** Luis Perico Ortiz was the coordinator of the 3rd International Bolero Fest for Carolina, Puerto Rico. The guest artist’s for the two days event during the month of April were Lourdes Robles, Nydia Caro, Elías Lopés, Braulio, Lilly y su Gran Trio & Trio Los Condes. During the month of August he was the Artist & Musical Director for the 7th Festival Internacional del Jazz de Carolina. He dedicated the festival to the PIANO. He’s guest artists were Mariano Morales, Luis Marin, Angel David Mattos, Yan Carlos Artime & Michel Camilo. He conducted his big band with a superb night full of guesses all in the Piano Sit. December 2 Luis was the Artist and Musical Director for the Encendido de la Navidad of Carolina having artists of the statue of Tony Vega, NG2, Pedrito Guzman, Juan Vélez & El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.
On December 23 after almost a year of hard work, Luis was the composer (11 Themes), arranger (9 Themes) and Artist & Musical Director of one of the most important concert in his career….the Inaugural Concert of the Museo del Niño de Carolina. He conducted a Symphonic Orchestra (43 professors) with a 30-piece Male/Female Choir and a 56 member Dance Group from Escuela de Bellas Artes (Choir & Dancers). He had the collaboration of Maestros Cucco Peña (3 arrangements & 1 composition) & Frankie Suárez (1 arrangement).
2012 **** Luis Perico Ortiz acts as the coordinator for the 4to Festival del Bolero de Carolina, Puerto Rico. The two days festival guest artists in the month of April were: Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina, Tato Díaz & Dream Team Trio, Las Divas Del Bolero {Mayra Mayra, Jaqueline Capó & Awilda} Paquito Guzmán, Carmín Vega, Orquesta de Elías Lopés, Ramoncito Rodríguez y Los Andinos, Pijuan y Los Baby Bommer Boys, Chucho Avellanet &Lissette. In August he becomes the Artist & Musical Director for the 8th Festival Internacional del Jazz de Carolina with the Special Guest Arturo Sandoval During December as spected, returns to Carolina to produce the spected Encendido de la Navidad. The guest artists were; EBAC, PLENEALO, ORQUESTA LUIS PERICO ORTIZ, ISMAEL MIRANDA, MONCHO RIVERA, PRODIGIO CLAUDIO, HENRY SANTIAGO
Artista Especial * VICTOR MANUEL
2013 **** After 6 years of absence recording, Master Luis Perico Ortiz performs one of the most ambitious and complex production in his career. Inviting a handful of friends he made TIEMPO DE AMAR. They collaborate with Luis, Rubén Blades, Andy Montañez, Alex De Castro, José Juan Hernández, NG2, Victoria Sanabria, Ismael Miranda, José Nogueras, Danny Rivera, Prodigy Claudio, Giovanni Hidalgo, Rie Akagi and the Symphony Orchestra Ernesto Ramos Antonini APPAOS. A battalion of the best musicians from Puerto Rico, Venezuela and Cuba. 8 Recording studio (Puerto Rico, United States and Japan) represented by excellent engineers perform the recording of this epic work. Composers; Luis Perico Ortiz, José Nogueras, Yan Carlos Artime, Juan Jose Hernandez, Victoria Sanabria, Prodigy Claudio and Luciano Quiñones. Arrangers: Luis Perico Ortiz, Ivan Rodriguez and Luis Garcia. All a dream comes true. The sale of this epic will be donated in its entirety for the benefit of children with cancer through the San Jorge Children's Foundation. The production took about a year to make.
Luis Perico Ortiz Ortiz acts as the coordinator for the 5th Festival del Bolero de Carolina, Puerto Rico. The two days festival guest artists in the month of April were: Escuela de Bellas Artes de Carolina, Máximo Torres, Iris Chacón, Lalo Rodríguez, Pete Bonnet, Rafael Jose, Meñique & Orq. Elías Lopés. In August he becomes the Artist & Musical Director for the 9th Festival Internacional del Jazz de Carolina con la participation de: 1. Escuela De Bellas Artes de Carolina 2. Alex Ayala Trio 3. Edwin Clemente 3D ZONE 4. David "Piro" Rodríguez 5. Justo Almario 6. Luis Perico Ortiz Latin Jazz Big Band e invitadosIn November Travels to Venezuela to perform two Jazz Concerts (BIG BAND) as a Special Guest with trumpetist Yturvides Vilchez. Returns in December to produce Encendido de la Navidad 2013 with the participation of EBAC, Barreto y su Plena and his Orchestra with guests {Papo Sánchez, Pedro Brull, Domingo Quiñones y Victoria Sanabria}.
2014-2020 **** “Perico” continues as the cultural adviser for the town of Carolina. During the year 2015 inaugurates de facilities of the Hospital San Fernando de la Carolina and in 2016 officially inaugurates as the founder of the Orquesta de Conciertos de Carolina. He was the Arranger y Director Titular.
He is honor for the second time in 2019 where is dedicated the 36to Día Nacional de la Salsa Z-93 before a 20 thousand public attendance. He produces his first theatrical concert Luis Perico Ortiz..MI VOZ. During the year 2016 Maestro Luis Perico Ortiz is invited to be the Main Speaker for second time during the 53rd graduation of the Conservatorio de Música De Puerto Rico. A great honor for "Perico" since he is an ex alumni of the Conservatorio de Musica de Puerto Rico.
2016 Maestro Luis Perico Ortiz is invited for the second time to be the Principal Speaker for the Fiftythird graduation excersises of the Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. A great honor. If Pablo Casals could see it!!!
2021 **** Produces SIGO ENTRE AMIGOS with guests Tony Vega, Milly Quezada, Johnny Rivera, Gerardo Rivas, Jerry Rivas, Henry Santiago, Yturvides Vílchez, Charlie Sepulveda, Nestor Torres, Ana Zivkovic y Antonio Luis Orta among great musicians all experimented in the gender of Salsa and Latin Jazz.
2022 **** Realized a concert tour with his proyect "TRAYECTORIA" - recuento musical. Also presents his virtual concert SIGO ENTRE AMIGOS thru his YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/channel/UCPdYEQyyzGJPe_fnzEseU-A
List of Recordings of Luis Perico Ortiz as a Solo Artist
1. My Own Image ******************************* Turnstyle Records
2. Super Salsa ******************************* New Generation
3. One Of A Kind ******************************* New Generation
4. El Astro ******************************* New Generation
5. Sabroso ******************************* Perico Records #320
6. Sabor Tropical ******************************* Perico Records #330
7. El Isleño ******************************* Perico Records #340
8. Entre Amigos ******************************* Collector Series #527
9. La Vida En Broma *************************** Perico Records #350
10. In Tradition *************************** Perico Records #360
11. Breaking The Rules ************************* Perico Records #370
12. Vuelvo Otra Vez ************************* DPI Records #400
13. At Valley Cottage ************************* Polystar (Japan)
14. The man, his trumpet and his music are back ******DPI Records #410
15. La Combinación Perfecta ********************* RMM-SONY (Guest Artist and Arranger) (Platinum Sales Award)
16. Café Con Leche Y Dos De Azucar ************** RMM Records & Video
17. Luis Perico Ortiz EXITOS Vol. 1 **************** Suave Instrumental #197
18. Emociones ********************************** Suave Instrumental #198
19. Luis Perico Ortiz EXITOS Vol. 2 **************** Suave Instrumental # 1982
20. Luis Perico Ortiz "JAMMING" ****************** AJ Records
21. Dejalo Entrar (Guest Alex De Castro, Domingo Quiñones y Roberto Lugo) ** Suave Instrumental
22. Cristo Esta En Victoria ************************ SUAVE 2507
23. Tiempo De Amar (2013) Suave 6388
24. Sigo Entre Amigos (2021) LPOE212631
Luis Perico Ortiz is consider one of the most important Tropical Music exponents at a World Wide level. His musical path and history define it so.