Orbiting, Fresh Sound New Talent ***

Cuban pianist Aruán Ortiz has steadily built a reputation since arriving in the US in 2003, but until now he is probably best known for his side-man appearances, playing on bassist Esperanza Spalding’s debut album and touring with trumpeter Wallace Roney. But his second recording for the prestigious and prescient Barcelona label Fresh Sounds New Talent suggests that Ortiz may not be available as a side-man for much longer.

He has all the virtuoso technique you would expect of a classically trained Cuban pianist, but there is also a deep musical intelligence at work here, whether he is interpreting Hermeto Pascoal and Ornette Coleman, playing a standard (the classic Alone Together closes the album) or leading his colleagues through his own multi-layered compositions. The talented quartet functions very much as a integrated unit, with guitarist David Gilmore, bassist Rashaan Carter and drummer Eric McPherson sensitive to every nuance of the leader's subtle arrangements. aruanortiz.com