Manuel Valera Trio – Modern Cuban Jazz | First Set
Experience modern jazz inspired by Cuban sounds with Manuel Valera Trio. Drawing from the legacy of iconic Cuban artists, the trio delivers an energetic and expressive performance where contemporary jazz language meets Afro-Cuban rhythmic sensibility.
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm(First Set)
9:30 pm to 10:30 pm(Second Set)
Admission:
$20 Cover Charge for Mezzanine Seating.
Featuring:
Hamish Smith – Bass
Jimmy Macbride – Drums
Manuel Valera – Piano, Arrangements & Compositions
About Manuel Valera Trio:
Manuel Valera & New Cuban Express is a project deeply influenced by the experiments of Cuban artists from the 70s and 80s. While inspired by artists Irakere, Emiliano Salvador and AfroCuba, this working band creates a unique and distinctive style that mixes elements of Jazz, R&B, fusion and funk with Cuban music styles.
About Manuel Valera:
Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Manuel Valera, now based in New York City, is a Grammy-nominated artist, pianist, and composer. Since his arrival in NYC, Valera has earned significant recognition in the modern jazz arena. He’s lent his exceptional talents as both a pianist and composer to a slew of notable artists including Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Brian Lynch, and many more.
Leading his band, “Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express,” Valera’s work is profoundly influenced by Cuban artists of the 70s and 80s. His unique style seamlessly integrates elements of Jazz, R&B, fusion, and funk with Cuban music, drawing inspiration from iconic figures like Irakere and Emiliano Salvador.
With “Expectativas” (MAVO 2013) marking his seventh recording as a leader, Valera’s accolades include a Grammy nomination in 2013 for “New Cuban Express” (MAVO 2012) in the Best Latin Jazz Album category. His vast discography includes critically acclaimed albums such as “Forma Nueva” (MAVO 2004) and “Melancolia” (MAVO 2006).
Over his illustrious career, Valera has received numerous grants for composition, including from Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works and the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. His performances span the globe, with shows in over 30 countries at some of the world’s premier venues and festivals.