Luis Perico Ortiz
Cheo Feliciano said it best ! “Por tu linda ejecución es que te llaman “Perico” ….
Luis Ortiz, or “Perico“, as he is more commonly known to the public, is considered a painter of emotions. His music possesses a unique quality that directlymoves people from all parts of the world. Luis “Perico” Ortiz has developed a strong following within the young Hispanic Community and has always taken the attitude that he is an artist for the “PUEBLO” ( the masses ).
In conversation with “Perico”, he gives us a little insight into what goes into the the making of the consummate musician.
Salsa-101: Take us back to your first interest in music. Did you grow up with other siblings ? If so did they get involved in music also ?
LPO: No brothers. I have 3 sisters, Marie, Lourdes & Nydia. They were all motivated by my father Don Esteban Ortiz Rivera. He put his guitar in my lap when I was 5. He was a music lover.
Salsa-101: During that time was music a part of your environment ? What kind ?
LPO: Of course. In Puerto Rico all you breath is music. At that time, folklore from the island (danza, bomba, plena), merengue and boleros.
Salsa-101: Was anyone else in your family involved in music ? If so, did they influence you in anyway ?
LPO: My father and he was my motivation.
Salsa-101: Where did you study music formally ? School, teachers, what instrument/instruments did you study ?? What were your first music books, how did you use them ? When was the concept of CLAVE first introduced to you.
LPO: I study formally at Escuela Libre de Musica. (first class graduated year 1966). Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico graduated with a diploma in music education with a concentration in Trumpet. My first trumpet teacher was Mr. Luis Gonzalez Peña then Nilda Perez (former trumpeter of the Symphonic Orchestra) and at the conservatory Henry Novak. My main book was and still is THE ARBAN. Is like the Bible for music students.
La clave was felt by me since I know me. NO BOOKS. EITHER YOU HAVE IT OR YOU DON’T. You have to feel it.
Salsa-101: During your early school years that you were studying music, what was a normal day for you ? For example, how was your day divided between going to school, practice time, hanging out etc.. etc
LPO: My life was around music. The school & conservatory program was have time at school and have time at music school. On my spare time after studies I went and still go to church. My passion for music was greater then life itself if you can understand the depth of this worlds.
Salsa-101: How much time did you dedicate to practicing music ? How did you practice ? What books were you using ? Could you give us a rundown of your practice routine, time devoted to scales, long tones, learning songs.. etc.etc
Do you still practice ?
LPO: I use to practice 6 to 8 hours a day every day. My main book, Arbans, Rubank, Carrusso Method. Scales, Sound, Pulse for timing and excerpts from classical, latin and jazz idioms. Use to hear a lot of music in order to imitate the sound and style. In my later years I became the voice and I do not listening to imitate but to apriciate the musicality of the musician. Today I study 1.5 hours a day, every day to be in shape.
Salsa-101: When did you start getting involved with composing /arranging? What procedure did you start out with and how did you evolve into the procedure that you use today ?
LPO: I learn the basics at the Conservatory of Music and listen to a lot of big band, latin jazz and jazz. I use to emulate the rhythm and study very close the harmony. I love the color that you can create with the harmony. My mentors where Don Sebesky, That Jones, Frank Foster, Lito Peña and Mario Ortiz.
Salsa-101: Your popularity with other artists is well known, when you follow music your name is all over the place with credits for accompanying, composing, arranging, directing. When Luis Perico is requested to take part in a musical production, what is it that Luis Perico Ortiz bring to the table.
What are the producer’s expecting from you ?
LPO: I evaluate the philosophy of the production and the artist. I demand space to be creative after receiving the artist input and his direction. I tottaly let my creativity take place without thinking in the commercial aspect but the artistic element.
Salsa-101: I see that you’re a family man. How many children do you have ? Do you encourage them to get involved in music ? Do you teach them music ?
How do you feel about the importance of having music education in today’s school. Aside from the obvious, how has music helped you in your life that we would not have anyway of knowing ?
LPO: I have three childs (Dianette, Leaonardo & Jennifer) They all love music and studied it. Leonardo was teach by me in the areas of trumpet and sound engineering but at the end he desided for Industrial Enginiring. Still his passion is music.
It is very important to have a music program in the schools simply because affect positively your intellect.
Salsa-101: Are you in a position within the Conservatory of Puerto Rico, to make changes in regard to studies, curriculum, way of doing things ?
LPO: I was part of the groups of artsts and professors that created the first Bachellor Degree in Jazz Performance & Caribbean Music Studies at the conservatory. I evaluated the curriculum and gave my recommendations to the latin jazz trumpet performance. A superb experience.
Salsa-101: Do you still practice your music ? What exactly do you do. For example, go into the studios early every Saturday to practice..etc ..etc..
LPO: I study repertory of latin and jazz idioms and do play alongs. That exercise helps your realization skills in the areas of sound, strength, pulse and breathing.
Salsa-101: Do you listen to music,, what kind,, who are your favorite artists.
I use to listen to many artists in the American Pop, Latin Jazz, Jazz and latin music from Central, South and Caribbean areas. Now days do to the lack of time I do not do that so important excersise. “MEA CULPA”
LPO: If you did not turn out to be a musician what other profession would you have chosen ? What advise can you offer to a youngster wanting to get involved with music ? What plan would you lay out to someone far away who has no way of getting formal music education from a teacher ..
I love flying. I use to be a pilot. Small plains. Was the closest you get to heaven. I still love it but no time to fly.
As far as young peplo studyng…they have the most complete tool…INTERNET.
Salsa-101: Are you aware of the effect/influence that you have with your music on an audience when you walk on a stage for a concert or a dance ?
LPO: Yes. I could affect my public in both ways (good and bad) and I chose to give them the very best of my capacity to meke them happy and aweare of their spirituality and capacity of dealing with emotions.
Salsa-101: Do you consider music to be a job like any other or do you reflect on the gift that has been given to you by the LORD ?
LPO: I now that my capacity comes from HIM and that I am only the best manager that I could of HIS GIFT.
Salsa-101: What does music mean to you ?
LPO: Music to me is the art of combinig tempo, harmony, melodies, emotions and spirituality.
Salsa-101: Do you get involved with computers, electronic ? In what waydo you make use of these ?
LPO: I started in the mid’s 80’s when MIDI started. I was expose to it by Ray Serrano and Ruben Blades gave me the first electric midi piano that I had. Till today I have my own studio with the latest technologies in audio. I am a sound designer over 25 years already. LOVE IT.
Salsa-101: In closing is ther anything you would like to add ?
LPO: I hope this would be a help to your potential readers
Luis Perico Ortiz
