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Born and raised in Havana, Grammy nominated, Guggenheim Fellow, pianist and composer
since arriving in NYC has become well known in the modern jazz scene, garnering national reviews and lending his talents as a pianist and composer to such notable artists
He has recorded 18 albums as band leader for his modern contemporary trio, solo piano and groups New Cuban Express and New Cuban Express Big Band.
REVIEWS
"He leaves no doubt that he’s destined to play a role in the future of jazz. Valera shows a keen jazz vocabulary, a gift for creating grooves that invite stellar solo flights from his collaborators and the nerve to romance a melody when it suits him." Philip Van Vleck, Billboard
"The blending of Latin music with jazz harmony and improvisation has produced more than a mere hybrid, as a survey of New York's younger players would reveal. Manuel Valera, a Cuban pianist in his mid-20's, illustrates that evolution handily: postbop and classical romanticism are as integral to his vocabulary as Latin folk forms, and they all find natural expression in his music." Nate Chinen, New York Times
"His Forma Nueva heralds the arrival of an important Latin jazz pianist." Nat Chediak, Jazziz
"An accomplished debut that makes you want to hear more."
Peter Watrous, Descarga.com
"He is endowed with a profound talent and rich progressive jazz-latin ideas… and offers the portrait of an exceptional young artist emerging as a leader." Jesse Varela, LatinBeat
"This CD serves proof that Manuel Valera is a brilliant and potential great pianist." Allmusic, By Scott Yanow
1/13
"He is a deeply thematic player, often building longer lines from small motifs. But as much as Forma Nueva is a vehicle for his playing, it is also a showcase for his fine writing. Valera’s personal incorporation of Cuban and other ethnic Latin styles into a contemporary post bop context assures him a distinguished place." John Kelman, All About Jazz
"Valera’s sophisticated compositions, and his deft, light touch with strings, stimulate consistently intriguing solos. Blake, especially on soprano, is a voice both affectingly plaintive and articulate. Valera makes one powerful piano statement after another, his speed and complexity and chiming touch always building a story." Thomas Conrad, Jazztimes
"It may be rare to hear a 23-year-old with the exploratory interests and tender touch of Valera, but it's an unalloyed pleasure to discover a young man so accomplished that his potential seems boundless. Pianist-composer Manuel Valera is, indeed, prime mover of this Forma Nueva." Howard Mandel, President, Jazz Journalists Association, Writer for Down Beat and Jazz Times
"This is arguably the disc to prick up the ears of any discerning jazz piano fan." John Stevenson, Ejazznews
"Valera brings considerable talent to the table as shown on this first offering." Jay Collins, One Final Note
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