Manuel Valera

Manuel Valera

Cuban Jazz Virtuoso

Manuel Valera is a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer, known for his dynamic fusion of modern jazz with profound Cuban and Latin American influences.

JazzLatin JazzCuban JazzModern Jazz

About

Manuel Valera is a Cuban-born jazz pianist, composer, and educator based in New York City. He has garnered critical acclaim for his innovative approach to jazz, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary sounds with his rich cultural heritage. Valera leads various ensembles, showcasing his compositional prowess and virtuosic improvisation.

Music Style

His music features complex rhythms, sophisticated harmonies, and a blend of acoustic and electric textures, drawing heavily from both modern jazz traditions and Afro-Cuban stylings. Valera's compositions are known for their intricate structures and vibrant energy.

Background

Hometown
Havana, Cuba
Education
The New School
Instruments
piano, synthesizer
Active
early 2000s-present

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If you like Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Michel Camilo, or Danilo Pérez — you'll love this artist

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Notable Collaborations

Dafnis PrietoJohn PatitucciBill StewartYosvany Terry
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