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Manuel Valera

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Manuel Valera
Background information
Born(1980-10-17)October 17, 1980
OriginHavana, Cuba
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader, producer
Instrument(s)Piano, Fender Rhodes, keyboards
LabelsMavo Records
Websitemanuelvalera.com

Manuel Valera (born October 17, 1980) is a Cuban pianist and composer.

Biography

Valera was born in Havana, Cuba. Since 2000 he has lived in New York City, where he attended New School University. His playing is influenced by Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett, and he has worked extensively in the groups of Dafnis Prieto, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, Brian Lynch, Yosvany Terry, Jeff "Tain" Watts and Lenny White.

Recordings

Valera's first CD as a leader Forma Nueva was released in 2004. It features the all-star line-up of bassist John Patitucci, drummers Bill Stewart and Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez and saxophonist Seamus Blake. Historia, Melancolia and Vientos were released between 2005–2007, featuring drummers Antonio Sanchez and Ernesto Simpson, saxophonist Seamus Blake and Joel Frahm, bassists Ben Street and James Genus and percussionist Luis Quintero. 2009 marked the release of Currents, a trio recording with Genus and Simpson and it was also Valera's debut on the Maxjazz label.

After a hiatus as a leader, to focus on sideman work, in 2012 Valera released New Cuban Express with Yosvany Terry on saxophone, John Benitez on bass, Tom Guarna on guitar, Eric Doob on drums, and percussionist Mauricio Herrera.
This recording earned him a nomination for a 2013 Grammy Award in the category "Best Latin Jazz Album".

As a leader

  • Forma Nueva (2004, Mavo Records) with John Patitucci, Bill Stewart, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez & Seamus Blake.
  • Historia (2005, Fresh Sound) with Ben Street, Antonio Sanchez & Seamus Blake.
  • Melancolia (2006, Mavo) with Ben Street, Antonio Sanchez, Seamus Blake, Luis Quintero & a string quartet.
  • Vientos (2007, Anzic Records) with James Genus, Ernesto Simpson, Joel Frahm & a woodwind quintet.
  • Currents (2009, Maxjazz) with James Genus & Ernesto Simpson.
  • New Cuban Express (2012, Mavo) with Yosvany Terry, Tom Guarna, John Benitez, Eric Doob & Mauricio Herrera. 2013 Grammy Nominee
  • Expectativas (2013, CD Baby) with Yosvany Terry, Tom Guarna, John Benitez, Paulo Stagnaro & Ludwig Afonso
  • Self Portrait (2014, CD Baby) Solo Piano
  • In Motion (2014, Criss Cross Jazz) with Yosvany Terry, Tom Guarna, Alex Sipiagin Hans Glawischnig, Mauricio Herrera and Ludwig Afonso
  • Live at Firehouse 12 (2015, CD Baby) with E.J. Strickland and Hans Glawischnig
  • Urban Landscapes (2015, CD Baby) with Groove Square

Selected discography as a sideman

Awards

  • Finalist in the 2004 and 2006 Great American Jazz Competition
  • Recipient of the 2005 and 2006 ASCAP Young Composers Award
  • Final nominee in the Up & Coming Musician of the Year category of the Jazz Journalists Association Awards.
  • Received a commission for the 2007 and 2013 Chamber Music America New Works Award.
  • New Cuban Express nominated for 2013 Grammy, Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year

References

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