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Hilton Ruiz was a child prodigy. Hilton Ruiz was a master musician. Hilton Ruiz was a genius. But most importantly to me, Hilton Ruiz was my friend. I first knew about Hilton in the early 70′s, in and around New York City. We were both playing in the various jazz clubs and assorted venues. I would read about him in the paper often, hear his music on the radio, and be on the same bill sometimes, but it took until 1991 for us to finally be formally introduced and begin working together. My friend and colleague, John Purcell, got Hilton to record on my CD, Level Of Intent. That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted until Hilton’s untimely demise. In fact, Hilton had called me to see if I could come back to New York to gig with him on June 10th. I couldn’t do the gig because of my own group working and Hilton didn’t make it to the gig. Hilton died in New Orleans on June 6, under suspicious circumstances. Those circumstances are under investigation as I write. I will not dwell on this because it is too hard for me to get my head around all the different versions that are swirling around.

It would be an understatement to say that Hilton was a very complex human being, but the reality of Hilton that lives within my heart is a person who was a very loyal, giving and supportive friend. Hilton?s artistry was recorded on three of my CD’s: Level Of Intent, March Of The Jazz Guerrillas and Soul Pools, on Motema Music. Being around Hilton raised my own artistic endeavors to new heights and I will forever be indebted to him. When we played together sometimes I might be a little tired or down. He would look across the piano at me, and with a devilish smile, he would begin to play, as if to say…”we’re playing up here tonight not down there!? Then we would commence to burn! That?s a very valuable lesson that lives in my heart and keeps me creating on a level that helps me surprise myself regularly.
Hilton was one of a kind. He straddled two immense camps, the Latin/Latin Jazz music and straight ahead Jazz. Hilton used to say to me, “Tunde I learned from the Black Masters.? That’s what made him so unique. Not only did he play with the likes of Tito Puente and Ray Barreto, but he also did extensive stints with Rahsan Roland Kirk, George Coleman and Freddy Hubbard, just to name a few. He also was a student of Mary Lou Williams. He was one of the kings of playing montuno and could also swing you so hard it would hurt (so good). Hilton was a respected classical pianist. Did I mention that he was a child prodigy? He played Carnegie Hall when he was 8!

One of the many concerts we played together was at Rassela’s in San Francisco. It was with my quartet that consisted of Ernie Watts, Hilton, Geoff Brennan and myself. It was the first time that Ernie and Hilton had played together. They were both very aware of the other?s track record and had a big respect for each other?s artistry. On stage, that night, they began to show their calling cards. Ernie had the first solo and it was so brilliant and filled with passion and fire that I began to feel sorry for whomever had to follow. Well, it was Hilton, and with each subsequent chorus Hilton got a little hotter and more dynamic and passionate each time around until he had put together a solo at which I still marvel to this day. The spirits smiled on us because you can hear those solos on my Soul Pools release, It is on a bonus CD with Wayne Shorters’ Footprints, all 26 minutes, live at Rassela’s.

Hilton toured Ireland with my quartet in 2004, and we produced many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. My entire group received many valuable experiences from spending that time together. Richard Howell, Geoff Brennan and I, still talk about the lessons we learned from Hilton on that tour. I always had it in my mind to try and get my first quartet with Hilton, Ernie and Geoff back together someday to record a full CD of music but alas, someone robbed us of that opportunity, and many others, to be able to hear and be a part of the “healin? feelin?” that Hilton could create.

I believe Hilton is on his way to being, if not already, one of the Ancestors. I shall call upon him often to ask that his spirit infuses my life and my music. I will miss you Hilton…Rest In Peace!

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