Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Distancia (2022) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera (Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Smith) hails from Cuba and is an integral part of the New York City’s vibrant music scene. ‘Distancia’ is the 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.

The album 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 Kicińska as well as standout soloists Charles Pillow, Remy Le Beouf, and Mike Fahie. Produced by Kabir Sehgal (Chucho Valdés, Arturo O'Farrill) and Doug Davis (Brian Lynch, John Daversa), Manuel Valera presents a very personal album of engaging contemporary big band jazz.

TRACKLIST

01. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Expectativas
02. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Gemini
03. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - From Afar
04. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Pathways
05. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - From the Ashes
06. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Impressionistic Romance
07. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Distancia
08. Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band - Remembered



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