At just 16 years old, Ansel Mauricio is not simply interpreting the legacy of jazz; he is beginning to write his own chapter within it.
Dominican pianist, composer, arranger, and producer Ansel Mauricio is emerging as one of the most promising young talents in Caribbean jazz. Born in New York and musically raised in the Dominican Republic, Ansel presents “Footprints (Latin Jazz Version),” a vibrant reinterpretation of the celebrated jazz standard composed by Wayne Shorter.
In this new arrangement, Ansel preserves the depth and creative freedom of the original composition while introducing a fresh rhythmic identity infused with Caribbean influences, improvisation, and musical virtuosity.
The recording features Otoniel Nicolás on percussion, Ernesto “Netico” Núñez on bass, and Abdiel Gervacio on saxophone, recipient of the 2026 Michel Camilo Scholarship.
Ansel takes the piano and leads an ensemble performance in which each musician contributes a distinctive voice to this renewed interpretation.
The result is a meeting of jazz tradition and contemporary expression, honoring Wayne Shorter’s legacy while bringing the composition into Ansel’s own musical world, shaped by his Dominican roots and artistic vision.
A Remarkable Early Achievement
On October 29, 2026, “Footprints (Latin Jazz Version)” simultaneously reached No. 1 on Play MPE’s daily Top Downloads and Top Streams charts for Latin America. Play MPE is a platform used by radio programmers and media professionals to discover and receive new music releases.
This achievement highlights the early recognition the young pianist’s interpretation has received among music industry professionals.
Ansel’s musical development also includes his participation in Berklee’s Summer Program in Boston. Following his outstanding performance, he became the only Latin American student in his session to receive a scholarship to return in 2027.
Musical Background and Influences
Born in New York and raised musically in the Dominican Republic, Ansel Mauricio currently studies at the National Conservatory of Music in the Dominican Republic.
His musical influences include Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Duke Ellington, Kenny Drew Jr., Holger Marjamaa, Jesús Molina, and Justin-Lee Schultz. He also benefits from the guidance of his teacher, Gustavo “Gus” Rodríguez.
In April 2026, celebrating his 16th birthday, Ansel made his debut as a composer with “Mente en Shuffle,” an original contemporary jazz and Latin jazz composition for which he took responsibility for the piano, arrangements, and musical production.
The recording featured Otoniel Nicolás, Eliézer Paniagua, Ernesto “Netico” Núñez, and Juamy Fernández.
His experience also includes a guest pianist appearance at “Mujeres en Amargue,” a concert produced by La Oreja Media Group, where he stood out for his musical sensitivity and confident performance.
With “Footprints (Latin Jazz Version),” Ansel Mauricio takes another important step in his artistic journey, bringing his own Caribbean perspective to one of jazz’s most celebrated compositions.
A promising young voice in Dominican jazz, Ansel Mauricio is building a musical future that deserves to be heard around the world.