Biography

ARK OVRUTSKI

Ark Ovrutski has had a busy career free-lancing with many of the great jazz musicians, including: James Spaulding, Curtis Fuller, Carmen Lundy, Gregory Porter, Steve Williams, Larry Willis, Javon Jackson, Duduka da Fonseca, Cynthia Scott, Jim Rotondi, and many others. Ark’s most significant original contributions in jazz are his four recordings as a leader and composer, “Sounds of Brasil” (2010), “44:33” (Zoho, 2014), “Intersection” (Origin, 2016) and “Journey Moments” (2018).

Ark Ovrutski Quintet “Sounds of Brazil” (2010) featuring Grammy drummer Duduka Da Fonseca, piano player Helio Alves and two great flute and sax players Craig Handy and Jorge Continentino performed a unique blend of different styles of jazz, Brazilian grooves, original melodies and contemporary arrangements. Ark was invited to play with this program to Dizzy Coca Cola jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC in April 2011.

Ark’s album “44:33” (2014) featuring Mike Dease and Ulysses Owens released on the recording label ZOHO. This CD was nominated by DOWNBEAT in the section PLAYERS in June 2014 and got a positive feedback from jazz major media such as “New York City Jazz Record.”, “All about jazz”, “Elmore”,”Cadence” “Latin Jazz Network” etc.

Ark’s venture CD “Intersection”(2016) featuring Michael Dease and Grammy winner drummer Duduka Da Fonseca was recorded in May 2015 and out in January 2016 on the recording label ORIGIN. All albums are rotating on radio stations and were included in Jazzweek TOP 70. Ark’s composition “Bolero” from the album “Intersection” was awarded by International Society of Jazz Composers and Arrangers.

The newest CD “Journey Moment” is out on May 1, 2018. This album is the result of intensive touring in Nov-Dec 2017 with the other members of the quartet – Multi Grammy winner sax player Myron Walden and Kenny Garret‘s piano player Benito Gonzalez along with famous drummer McClenty Hunter.

Ark is the holder of two advanced degrees: Masters of Music in Jazz Performance from Rutgers University and Doctor of Musical Art in Jazz and Classical Performance from the University of Illinois.

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