ARTISTS


LUIS MARIO OCHOA
CUBAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE

GALLERY | BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | DISCOGRAPHY | LINKS


GALLERY



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BIOGRAPHY

Luis Mario Ochoa, Leader (Guitar and Vocal)
With Special Guests
Hilario Durán, Piano/Vocals
Paco Luviano, Acoustic Bass/Vocal
And two Percussionists

Born in Havana, Cuba, Luis Mario's earliest musical influences came from his father Luis Ochoa Sr. singer, guitarist and founding member of "Trio Voces de Oro", one of Cuba's most romantic ensembles. At the age of 11, Luis Mario began full time music studies at some of Havana's most renowned conservatories and after 13 years of intense studies, graduated with an honors B.A. in classical guitar from The University of Havana's Institute Superior of Arts (ISA). While most of his extensive learning was
in the classical genre, his heart never abandoned his roots in "popular music".

Embracing Toronto as his new home in the early 1990’s, Luis would form his band Cimarrón, (See-mah-rón, meaning "free spirit"), and three years later would record their first CD, ‘A La Cubana’. Being one of the first recordings to emerge from Toronto's Latin music scene, the album introduced Canadian audiences to the ensemble's unique sound. Several tracks from this CD were featured on the TV series
entitled ‘Traders’.

Luis’ second album, ‘La Fiesta’ was released in 2000 to both media and audience acclaim. Tracks from this release have been featured in the US production, ‘Brave New Girl’, and Canadian production, ‘Bailey's Billions’, as well as in the TV series ‘The Associates’.

His 2005 album release, Cimarrón is a blend of Cuban music with elements of jazz. The self-titled CD hit the streets in 2006 and includes an all-stars cast of jazz and Latin musicians from Toronto, as well as three very special guests: Paquito D'Rivera, Guido Basso and Luis' father, Luis Ochoa Sr. Cimarrón is a landmark disc for Luis Mario Ochoa, which for the first time presents his talents as a singer, guitarist, composer and arranger to a wider audience.

In May 2008, Luis Mario released his 4th CD, ‘Momentos Cubanos’ - his first album with his new quintet - where he showcases his virtuosity and versatility with authority. A nominee in 2007 for Canadian Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, Ochoa is joined here by acclaimed Cuban pianist Hilario Durán and a dynamic rhythm section of bass, drums and percussion. The program of four originals and five classic Latin American songs ranges from rumba to samba, bolero to waltz, son to cha and one is unlikely to find a vocal interpretation of Ernesto Lecuona’s timeless ballad “Canto Siboney” more impassioned than the one here. ‘Momentos Cubanos’ clearly demonstrates why Ochoa has been hailed for his “...fire, finesse and authenticity” (JazzTimes) and for creating “...high caliber Latin jazz [that] cooks” (Descarg.com). The CD reached the # 2 spot on the May/Jun world music charts at Earshot Canada!

In addition to his productive composing, performing and recording schedule, Luis also teaches the Latin Jazz Ensemble at the renowned Humber College Institute and conducts the Luis Mario Ochoa’s Humber Latin Big Band. Currently, Luis Mario performs as a front man with his Acoustic Quintet, the Humber College Latin Big Band and his larger ensemble Cimarron.

(as of October 2009)

REVIEWS

“With roots in Cuban popular music, Ochoa’s emotive voice and delicate touch on a nylon-stringed guitar, exhibit a change from Latin jazz standards. Ochoa has been hailed for his “...fire, finesse and authenticity” (Jazz Times) and for creating “...high caliber Latin jazz [that] cooks” (Descarg.com). In an intimate setting, Ochoa brilliantly provides harmonic richness and rhythmical variety that is genuine and unassuming, while integrating styles that range from rumba to samba to waltz. A nominee in 2007 for Canadian Latin Jazz Artist of the Year, the unique exuberance of his music is the only thing that is constant and all that matters when listening.”

- LATIN JAZZ NETWORK

“The music was for everyone, the jazz people who sit and savour their music and the dancers who move and are inspired with their music. A mix of samba, rumba, salsa, and cha cha accents kept the feet moving.”

- SALSA TO

“A true pleasure to listen to, these exceptional musicians exemplified how to combine sensitivity and energy in their playing. It was also a pleasure to watch how they listened to and enjoyed each other’s contributions to the whole.”

- LIVE MUSIC REPORT

“[T]here is not a single track on this record that does not merit many hearings. You will find that you simply cannot get enough of the music. That's how infectious it is.” [Momentos Cubanos: Cuban Music Productions CD]

- LATIN JAZZ NETWORK

“Luis Ochoa has an exceptional voice. His soaring tenor rises above the horns and percussion, delivering the lyrics with sincerity and power.” [Cimarrón: Cuban Music Productions CD]

- JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE

“He is a passionate singer, his enunciation and phrasing strong and packed with emotional power. He is also the troubadour who adds to the soul with his guitar.”

- ALL ABOUT JAZZ

“...How exciting to discover a truly dynamic new salsa vocalist whose talent extends to composing and arranging.”

- HISPANIC MAGAZINE

DISCOGRAPHY

A La Cubana   Cuban Music Productions LMO CD
La fiesta   Cuban Music Productions LMO CD-1
Cimarrón: Luis Mario Ochoa & Friends   Cuban Music Productions LMO CD-2A
Momentos Cubanos   Cuban Music Productions LMO CD-3


LINKS

Artist Website
www.luismario.com