B i o g r a p h y
Multi-awarded jazz pianist Juan Ortiz (1984, Bilbao, Spain) is based in Tokyo.
He began his musical studies at the age of 4, and has been deeply committed to music ever since. Juan graduates from MUSIKENE in 2010, studying with teachers such as Iñaki Salvador, Perico Sambeat and Jorge Rossy, among others.
His first record (“Life is Too Short”, 2013) is awarded "Best Jazz Recording of the Year" by the BBK Jazz Awards. After travelling the world working as a musician he records “And the World is Large” in 2015 and moves to Japan. His third album (“Winter Tales”, jazz-electronica cross-over) is awarded “Best Jazz Recording of the Year” by the Musika Bulegoa Sariak Awards in 2017.
"I have always thought that talent is difficult to be noticed. It is hard not to mix it up with capacity, ability or gift, parallel concepts, yet different. However, talent is only recognized, clearly and positively, when it is in front of you. With Juan Ortiz, it is clear. Fortunately, I have known him for years and, more importantly, I have been witness of his evolution. A clear and constant one, always upwards."
Yahvé M. de la Cavada (Rolling Stone, Cuadernos de Jazz)
FEATURED FESTIVALS:
Yokohama Jazz Promenade (Yokohama, Japan)
Ibiza Jazz Festival (Ibiza, Spain)
Getxo Jazz Festival (Getxo, Spain)
Peace Festival (Kolkatta, India)
Jazzmandu Jazz Festival (Kathmandu, Nepal)
Flamenco-Jazz Day (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Jazzaldia (San Sebastian, Spain)
Theatron Festival (Munich, Germany)
Saint Paul Jazz & Soul Festival (Saint Paul, France)
New Years Eve at Paradiso Club (Amsterdam, Holland)
Saint-Jean-de-Luz Jazz Festival (Saint-Jean-de-Luz, France)