Clarinet and alto sax player, playing professionally from the late 40s. Toured Europe with Lionel Hampton in 1953. Subsequently played in bands led by Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton , Herbie Mann, Gerald Wilson, and others.
Subject of the 1994 book 'Central Avenue Sounds: Anthony Ortega'.
His sax teacher Lloyd Reese also mentored such future jazz luminaries as Charles Mingus and Eric Dolphy.