Manuel Valera
Piano
About
Manuel Valera is a jazz pianist and composer known for melding Latin styles with modern jazz. He has recorded over 15 albums as a bandleader and lent his talents as a pianist and composer to such well known musicians as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera and Brian Lynch. He is based in New York City.
Trivia
Valera initially studied classical saxophone before switching to piano.His album, New Cuban Express, was nominated for Best Latin Jazz Grammy in 2012.Valera was awarded a Guggenheim fellowship in 2019.
Early Life
Born and raised in Havana Cuba, Manuel Valera attended Havana’s Manuel Saumell Conservatory where he studied classical saxophone. At the age of 14 he emigrated to the United States and decided to switch to the piano. Valera attended the jazz program at New York's The New School in 2000 and soon became part of the New York Jazz Scene.
Manuel Valera Solos
2017
Piano solo - Alone Together - 2017
4/4 swing in D minor at 220 BPM
Piano solo - Doxy - 2017
4/4 swing in B♭ major at 112 BPM
Piano solo - I Hear a Rhapsody - 2017
4/4 swing in E♭ major at 206 BPM