Bandleader, percussionist, master log drummer, tribal drum set player, and hand drummer William Ruiz is an improvisational world music artist. This spirited Native American (Taino) of Puerto Rico is the creative force behind a unique blend of improvisational world tribal percussion sounds. Ruiz was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, where his first musical influences were Afro-Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban recordings of the 1940s. Ruiz has been featured by CNN, the Village Voice, WBAI, and HOT 97 for introducing audiences worldwide to the 12-tongue log drum. He has toured the world as a solo act, with his Brown Bear Quartet, and with his ensemble, which typically includes traditional musicians from various world cultures.