Hilton Ruiz
b. 29 May 1952, New York City, New York, USA. Ruiz studied piano from an early age, performing public recitals as a small child. In the mid- to late '60s he worked as a professional musician in bands playing Latin American music. In the early '70s he turned to jazz, studying with Mary Lou Williams. Later in the decade he played on numerous club, concert and recording dates with Joe Newman, Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Charles Mingus, Rahsaan Roland Kirk (with whom he recorded RETURN OF THE 5000LB MAN), Chico Freeman, (on BEYOND THE RAIN), Betty Carter and Archie Shepp. He continued an active career in the '80s, appearing with Terry's all-star big band at festivals and on television and making records, including some as a member of Marion Brown's group. A strikingly inventive pianist, Ruiz's jazz style incorporates many elements from his continuing interest in Latin music.