Born and raised in Havana, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera since arriving in NYC has become well known in the modern jazz scene, garnering national reviews and lending his talents as a pianist and composer to such notable artists as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Brian Lynch, Dafnis Prieto, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Benitez, Samuel  Torres, Joel Frahm, Yosvany Terry and classical violin virtuoso Joshua Bell among many others.

 

This dynamic and prolific artist has recorded 13 CDs as a bandleader with touring projects ranging from his Grammy-nominated group New Cuban Express to his modern contemporary trio to solo piano.

 

Valera is the recipient of many composition grants - most notably Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works three different times, the Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation 2 times and the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. He has traveled the world performing in more than 30 countries at some of the biggest international venues and festivals in the world.

 

 

Grammy Nominated Artist, New Cuban Express, 2012

Grammy Winning Pianist, Dafnis Prieto Big Band “Back To The Sunset” 2019 

Chamber Music America New Jazz Works 2005, Impressions of Expressions 

Chamber Music America New Jazz Works 2014, José Marti en Nueva York 

Chamber Music America New Jazz Works 2017, The Planets

Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation 2016 Bacardi Commission, Migrant Voyage 

Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation 2018 Commission, Centenario for 2 pianos 

ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award, 2005

Arrangements of Ernesto Lecuona and Gonzalo Roig for Joshua Bell and Orchestra for PBS 

Commission for Yosvany Terry Bohemian Trio, Impressionistic Romance and Impromptu Commission for Paquito D’Rivera with Jazz at Lincoln Center Big Band