“From Where I Stand” is Bill Ortiz’s debut release as a solo artist after decades of work a featured performer with many name artists. This project is an infectious mix of jazz elements, Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop and world music.
Ortiz enlisted many of the top musicians of today: guitarist John “Jubu” Smith (Tony Tone Toni, Whitney Houston), bassist Benny Reitveld (Miles Davis, Santana), percussionists Jesus Diaz and Karl Perazzo (Santana, Prince, Sheila E.), and vocalists Monet Owens (Boz Scaggs, Raphael Saadiq) Ken Byars and Regina Espenosa, who all shine with dynamic performances.
Two versions of a Peter Apfelbaum-penned reggae tune called “Judgement Day” are included; the second version is a dub remix by Res Dru which features vocalist Rocker-T.
The most authoritative national music industry magazine, Music Connection states: “Contemporary jazz trumpet greats have a run for their money now that longtime Santana sideman Ortiz enters the urban jazz scene with this chillin’, artsy yet infectious easy grooving debut”.