Local Joy

Born in Pennsylvania, jazz pianist Michael Orta went to Miami-Dade College in the mid-Eighties and then to the University of Miami. Which means, of course, a heavy Latin influence. In fact in 1991 Orta toured and recorded with Arturo Sandoval; in 1994 he worked with Paquito D’Rivera. One of his...

By Greg Baker

March 8, 2007

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Born in Pennsylvania, jazz pianist Michael Orta went to Miami-Dade College in the mid-Eighties and then to the University of Miami. Which means, of course, a heavy Latin influence. In fact in 1991 Orta toured and recorded with Arturo Sandoval; in 1994 he worked with Paquito D’Rivera. One of his many duties as an associate professor and director of jazz performance at FIU is overseeing the Latin jazz ensemble. All of which makes him perfectly suited for the “Jazz in Any Language” segment of the Living Room Jazz Series at the Carnival Center.

Orta will display his Latin jazz skills by interpreting classic boleros in a mood-enhancing setting: Cocktail tables will be set up; food and drink will be available. Orta released his debut album, Freedom Tower, in 1995, and was named “best piano man” by New Times in 2005. Before the 8:00 p.m. concert at the center’s Studio Theater, he will sit down with jazz expert Nat Chediak (author of El Diccionario de Jazz Latino) at 6:30 p.m. for an interview and listening session.
Thu., March 8, 8 p.m.

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