Blending Traditions and Innovation: The Artistic Vision Behind Set Free by the José Valentino Trio
- WOMCO
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
The José Valentino Trio from the United States—comprising Dr. José Valentino Ruiz, Bruno Miranda, and Jesse Pitts—has been awarded the Diamond Prize and the Special Prize for Excellent Creativity in the National Music category at the Georges Bizet International Music Competition, 2025 Season 4, for their performance of Set Free. The season ran from 10 July to 10 October 2025, with the results announced on 29 October 2025. Following their success at the competition, we spoke with Dr. José Valentino Ruiz to learn more about the award-winning work Set Free, the trio’s creative collaboration, and the artistic vision behind their performance.
Could you please introduce your award-winning music Set Free? When and under what circumstances was it created? Could you share the inspiration behind the work and the message you hope to convey through it?
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz:
"Set Free is an original composition that reflects a deep integration of Brazilian and Puerto Rican folkloric traditions, infused with elements of funk, Afro-Cuban rhythmic language, jazz harmony, and modal improvisation. I composed the work during a season marked by significant personal, artistic, and spiritual transformation—one in which I felt compelled to write music that celebrated liberation, resilience, and the joy of authenticity.
The title, Set Free, encapsulates this idea: the freedom that emerges when one embraces purpose, creativity, and the courage to push beyond artistic boundaries. Musically, the piece weaves together traditions I grew up with—bomba, plena, jíbaro, Brazilian choro, samba influences—alongside the modern improvisational vocabulary that has shaped my career. My hope is that listeners experience both the familiarity of cultural rootedness and the exhilaration of forward-moving innovation."
We listened to your music work Set Free in a video recording. Could you tell us about your collaboration with the musicians and technicians who recorded your work, and share any memorable moments from the rehearsals?
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz:
"The performance of Set Free that you referenced features my long-standing trio:
Bruno Miranda – Piano
Jesse Pitts – Drums
Myself – Flute, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Producer, Composer, Mixing Engineer, & Mastering Engineer (JV Music Enterprises)
Eric Maldonado – Recording Engineer & Videographer (Paris Recording Studios)
We have worked together for many years, and our musical chemistry is built on trust, shared risk-taking, and an intuitive responsiveness that only develops through deep collaborative history. Bruno’s harmonic sensitivity and rhythmic elasticity make him an ideal partner for music that blends folkloric traditions with modern jazz. Jesse brings an extraordinary command of Afro-Latin grooves, funk backbeats, and jazz drumming, allowing the trio to move fluidly between styles without losing cohesion.
One memorable moment from the rehearsal process was when we experimented with the rhythmic transition leading into the final improvisational section. What began as a simple cue grew organically into a dynamic call-and-response that felt both ancestral and futuristic. That spontaneous evolution captured exactly what Set Free represents—freedom born out of unity, exploration, and shared passion for our Christ-centered faith."
Receiving the Excellent Creativity Special Prize highlights the distinctive creativity of your artistry. In what ways have your long-term artistic exploration, conceptual choices, and creative philosophies shaped the level of exceptional creativity reflected in your work?
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz:
"Creativity, for me, is shaped by a lifelong pursuit of excellence, cultural fluency, and artistic integrity. Over the years, my approach has been guided by three principles:
1. Respect for Tradition:
Understanding the historical, cultural, and emotional roots of every genre I work in.
2. Integration Over Imitation:
Blending traditions in ways that honor their origins while forging new sonic landscapes—never appropriating, but dialoguing.
3. Purposeful Innovation:
Creativity must serve a narrative, an emotion, or a vision. Set Free is the culmination of years spent studying global musical traditions and exploring how they can converse authentically within contemporary frameworks.
Receiving the Excellent Creativity Special Prize affirms these commitments. It reflects not only technical craft, but also the conceptual clarity and intentionality that underpin my work."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great musician in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing musician today and in the coming years?
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz:
"I began my musical journey as a flutist, bassist, saxophonist, and producer, evolving into roles as a composer, scholar, creative-economy leader, and global arts entrepreneur. Today, I serve as Associate Professor and Program Director of Music Business & Entrepreneurship at the University of Florida and as the U.S. Speaker of Creative Economy & Global Arts Entrepreneurship for the U.S. Department of State. These roles allow me to blend artistry, research, and cultural-diplomacy work in meaningful ways.
Looking ahead, my goals continue to focus on:
Advancing cross-cultural artistic collaboration
Developing new creative-economy pathways for emerging musicians
Composing and producing works that highlight global musical languages
Mentoring the next generation of innovative artists
A unique artistic voice, technical mastery, entrepreneurial adaptability, and the ability to create meaningful human connection in a digital world. Standing out in an oversaturated landscape while maintaining artistic integrity and long-term sustainability. Navigating rapid technological change—and leveraging it strategically—is essential for success in the years to come."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz:
"Participating in this competition has been a wonderful experience. I am grateful for the recognition of Set Free and for your commitment to supporting creative artists around the world.
I extend sincere thanks to:
Bruno Miranda and Jesse Pitts, whose musicianship elevates every performance.
My mentors, colleagues, and students, who continually inspire my artistic and scholarly pursuits.
My family, for their support in every chapter of my professional journey."
Biography
Dr. José Valentino Ruiz-Resto, Ph.D., D.Min., D.B.E., is an internationally distinguished performing artist, composer, scholar, entrepreneur, and the U.S. Speaker of Creative Economy and Global Arts Entrepreneurship for the U.S. Department of State. He is celebrated globally for his rare combination of artistic mastery, academic leadership, and industry innovation. A four-time Latin GRAMMY® Award Winner––Best Contemporary Classical Composition; Best Children's Album; Best Christian Album in Spanish Language (x2)––and four-time Latin GRAMMY® Award Nominee––Best Latin Jazz Album; Best Instrumental Album (x3)––EMMY® Award Winner––Best Cultural Documentary, 55-time DownBeat® Music Award Winner (record holder), 10-time Global Genius® Award Winner, and 40-time Global Music® Award Winner (record holder), Dr. Ruiz stands among the most decorated multidisciplinary creatives of his generation. His career includes more than 1,500 performances across six continents, over 350 peer-reviewed scholarly publications, 150+ albums produced, and more than 110 keynotes and workshops delivered worldwide. Appointed by the University of Florida through the Faculty 500 Initiative, he serves as Associate Professor and Founding Director of Music Business & Entrepreneurship, driving cross-disciplinary innovation through partnerships with UF’s Centers for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship; Undergraduate Research; and Latin American Studies.
As Founder, Owner, and CEO of JV Music Enterprises, Dr. Ruiz leads a global creative-economy venture specializing in world-class performance, multimedia production, strategic B2B partnerships, and educational program development. His executive background includes serving as Director of Digital Content Strategy for Worldwind Music Ltd (UK), where his work significantly expanded international market presence and generated multimillion-dollar growth. His leadership and creative impact have earned major honors across sectors, including Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business® and Power Partner® Awards and Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Company in the World®. Dr. Ruiz’s contributions span film, television, classical and commercial music, arts entrepreneurship, and global cultural diplomacy, with his work featured by Fortune, The Economist, USA Today, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, CNN Entertainment, Billboard, and other international outlets. Driven by a Christ-centered ethos of service and excellence, Dr. Ruiz continues to advance the global creative economy through transformative artistry, scholarship, and enterprise leadership.