On this Live N’ Local episode of Inwood Art Works On Air we are excited to welcome Grammy nominated Cuban pianist & composer Manuel Valera. Valera was born in Havana, Cuba, but 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 many groups including those of Dafnis Prieto, Arturo Sandoval, and Paquito D’Rivera. In 2005, Manuel’s released his first CD as a leader, called Forma Nueva. He followed that up with a succession of records: Historia, Melancolia, Vientos, and Currents. After taking a hiatus as a leader, to focus on sideman work, in 2012 Valera released New Cuban Express; a big band album which earned him a nomination for a 2013 Grammy Award in the category “Best Latin Jazz Album.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:50 — 109.5MB)