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Cuban vocalist/guitarist/composer/arranger/bandleader Luis Mario Ochoa, started his full time music studies at the age of 11, graduating thirteen years later from The University of Havana's Instituto Superior of Arts in 1987 with an Honours Bachelors Degree in Music, specialized in guitar.
In 1990 Luis Mario moved to Toronto, Canada, making this country his new home.
In 1992, he formed the group Cimarrón, (See-mah-rón, meaning free spirit), a gathering of 'All Stars' Canadian and Latin jazz players from Toronto. The ensemble has released three independently produced CDs
- A La Cubana - 1995
- La Fiesta - 2000
- Cimarrón, Luis Mario Ochoa & Friends - 2006, with special guests Paquito D'Rivera, Hilario Durán, Guido Basso and his father Luis Ochoa.
Press Excerpts:
- Jazz Improv Magazine: "...Cimarrón, Luis Mario Ochoa and Friends is a "must have" recording for anyone who loves Afro-Cuban Jazz and outstanding vocals..."
- Jazz Review.com: ..."Cimarrón's one of the years best releases of 2006..."
- Jazz Time Magazine: "...This Latin Jazz session led by Havana native and guitarist-singer-arranger Luis Mario Ochoa is full of fire, finesse and authenticity..."
Luis Mario also conducts workshops of Cuban music and directs a Latin jazz big band at the renowned Humber College Institute, in Toronto.
