
Recordings as a Leader




In Motion is the NCX's third record as a group and Manuel's ninth as a leader. This record marks a more accoustic direction for the band. The members of the New Cuban Express Yosvany Terry, Tom Guarna, Ludwig Afonso, and Mauricio Herrera return on this record. Hans Glawischnig joins the band on accoustic bass and trumpetist Alex Sipiagin is a special guest on half the record.

Solo piano of originals and standards 2014 MAVO Records Manuel Valera's formidable range of musical influences, his uncanny sense of swing in any meter and the emotional depth of his compositions combine to make Self Portrait full of a sense of wonder that listeners who enjoy any form of advanced music will find irresistible. This is every bit as distinctive among solo piano recordings as the New Cuban Express releases are among ensemble projects. --Bill Tilford, Timba.com

Featuring Yosvany Terry on saxophone, Tom Guarna on guitar, John Benitez on bass, Ludwig Alfonso on drums and Paulo Stagnaro and Mauricio Herrera on percussion released on MAVO Records September 2013.

Grammy nominated recording featuring Yosvany Terry on saxophone, Tom Guarna on guitar, John Benitez on bass, Eric Doob on drums and Mauricio Herrera released on MAVO Records June 2012.

Manuel's fifth recording as a leader featuring James Genus on electric and acoustic bass and Ernesto Simpson on Drums released on MaxJazz October 6, 2009.

Manuel's fourth record featuring his working quartet with Joel Frahm, James Genus, Ernesto Simpson and a Woodwind quintet released on Anzic Records June 26, 2007.

Manuel's third recording featuring Seamus Blake, Ben Street, Antonio Sanchez, Luisito Quintero and a string quartet released on March, 2006

Manuel's second recording featuring mostly trio with Ben Street on bass and Antonio Sanchez on drums. Seamus Blake is also featured on 2 tracks. This record was released on Spanish label Fresh Sound New Talent in April, 2005.

Manuel's debut recording featuring John Patitucci, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Bill Stewart and Seamus Blake released in 2004.