Composer, pianist and band leader Manuel Valera presents his second album with New York-based New Cuban Express Big Band, a large ensemble performing Valera's compositions that fuse the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil to forge innovative sounds and textures, leaving room for outstanding solos from vocalists and instrumentalists.
Label: Greenleaf Music Catalog ID: CD-GRE-1093 Squidco Product Code: 31488
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2022 Country: USA Packaging: Digipack - 3 panel Recorded at Orange Sheep Studios on December 8th and 9th, 2019, and on October 1st and 9th, 2020, by Chris Berham.
"Grammy-nominated pianist Manuel Valera (Paquito D'Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Smith) presents his second album from his New Cuban Express Big Band, a spirited ensemble that fuses the music of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Brazil to forge innovative sounds and textures.
'Distancia' draws upon searing personal experiences, going through personal loss and having to pick up the pieces to move forward. Valera uses the broad palette of the big band to express a wide range of moods and emotions. From the haunting 'From Afar,' to the buoyant 'Expectativas', and the fiery 'Gemini,' the writing is dynamic and varied and the ensemble brings out the nuances with both grace and gusto.
The band features some of New York's best creative musicians, including vocalists Camila Meza and Bogna Kici'ska as well as standout soloists Charles Pillow, Remy Le Beouf, and Mike Fahie. Produced by Kabir Sehgal and Doug Davis, Valera presents a very personal album of engaging contemporary big band jazz."-Greenleaf Music