WATCH: Aruán Ortiz Trio

Like his contemporaries David Virelles and Fabian Almazan, Aruán Ortiz is yet another young pianist from Cuba to make a splash in the New York jazz scene. He not only has prodigious technique, but also a searching imagination and a propensity for risk-taking.

Ortiz's music can be high-energy and rhythmic, or more reflective and abstract. But no matter the music's character, Ortiz always plays with a sense of invention and surprise. Last year, Ortiz was rewarded for his inventive music with a Doris Duke Artist Impact Award, an honor he shared with jazz luminaries like Muhal Richard Abrams and Steve Coleman.

This Friday, March 21st, Ortiz will perform at The Jazz Gallery with his trio featuring Eric Revis on bass Gerald Cleaver on drums. Check out the video below to hear the trio's exciting and highly-interactive improvisations.

Aruán Ortiz Trio featuring Eric Revis and Gerald Cleaver, live at Angels City Jazz Festival 2014 from NauraZitro Music Productions on Vimeo.The Aruán Ortiz Trio plays at The Jazz Gallery on Friday, March 21st, 2015. The group features Mr. Ortiz on piano, Eric Revis on bass, and Gerald Cleaver on drums. Sets are at 8 and 10 p.m. $22 general admission ($12 for members). Purchase tickets here.