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Jose Marti En Nueva York

by Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band

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about

Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera presents the dynamic debut of his New Cuban Express Big Band. Inspired by José Martí, the famed Cuban writer and independence hero, José Martí en Nueva York features Valera’s song cycle of original music based on nine poems from Martí’s seminal 1891 collection, “Versos Sencillos.”

Addressing a range of political and societal issues that are relevant even today, the texts are set for two unique vocalists, Sofia Rei and Camila Meza. Valera uses the broad palette of the big band to express a wide breadth of moods and emotions, touching on traditional Cuban music styles (Danzón, bolero) as well as modern Latin jazz to give Martí’s poetry new life.

The album’s large ensemble features some of New York’s best creative musicians, including standout soloists Michael Rodriguez, Roman Filiu, Joel Frahm, and Mauricio Herrera. Produced by Kabir Sehgal and Doug Davis, the album is modern big band jazz with a message. Born out of the crisis of Valera’s loss of his wife to cancer last year, Jose Marti en Nueva York is a personal cry for freedom, justice, and an expression of passion.

credits

released August 28, 2020

Personnel:
VOICE
Camila Meza (1, 3, 4)
Sofia Rei (2, 5, 6, 7)

TRUMPETS
John Walsh (Lead on 1, 3)
Brian Pareschi (Lead on 2, 4-7)
Michael Rodriguez
David Smith
Alex Norris

REEDS
Michael Thomas (Lead Alto and Soprano Saxophones, C and Piccolo Flutes)
Roman Filiu (Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Flute and Alto Flute)
Joel Frahm (Tenor and Soprano Saxophones)
Charles Pillow (Tenor and Soprano Saxophones, Clarinet)
Andrew Gutauskas (Baritone Saxophone and Bass Clarinet)

TROMBONES
Matt McDonald (Lead)
John Yao
Andy Clausen
Jeff Nelson (Bass)

RHYTHM SECTION
Manuel Valera (Piano, Celeste and Keyboards)
Alex Goodman (Guitar)
Ricky Rodriguez (Bass)
Jimmy Macbride (Drums)
Samuel Torres (Percussion on all except 2, 5)
Mauricio Herrera (Percussion on 2, 5)

Production Credits:
Executive Producers: Dave Douglas, Roberto Occhipinti,
Kabir Sehgal, Ali Hirsa and Manuel Valera
Producers: Kabir Sehgal, Doug Davis, Manuel Valera
Recording Engineer: Chris Benham
Mixing and Mastering Engineer: Oscar Autie
Recorded at Big Orange Sheep Studios on December 9-10, 2019
Mixed and Mastered at El Cerrito Studio CA
Portrait photography Mariana Meraz
Cover art by Josefina Soto Perez
Design by Lukas Frei

All compositions by Manuel Valera (MV Music / ASCAP)
Based on José Martí’s Versos Sencillos III, XVII, XIX, XXIII, XXV, XXVII, XXXIX, XLIV, VI

Press:
“Truly a delightful listening experience, this debut recording by the New Cuban Express Big Band is a treat.” - Step Tempest

“Masterpiece is not too strong a description for this mesmerizing, deeply-felt music.” - John Cacona

“Performances by the New Cuban Express Big Band - and, crucially, Valera, - span the danceable and the pensive, their spirit making José Martí a joy to hear.” - Downbeat

“Although adhering to expressive forms now classic, Valera's orchestral work is sophisticated in the way it combines styles, showing personal dynamic and timbral solutions.” - All About Jazz (Translated from Italian)

“On this recording, the work has been elegantly polished, celebrating the marriage of American jazz and Cuban rhythm with as much rigor and passion as it fêtes Martí. While there are obvious passages where you recognize the taut pirouette of danzon and the honeydrip of bolero, the orchestrations are more frequently reminiscent of the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band’s taut swing and the tone poetry of Kenny Wheeler.” - JazzTimes

“The performances are so genuine and naturally sung with the New Cuban Express Big Band's exquisite backing making for truly sublime listening.” - In a Blue Mood

“The mix of salsa and modern jazz with passionate lyrics makes for a tasty treat.” - Jazz Weekly

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Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band New York, New York

Grammy nominated Cuban pianist and composer Manuel Valera has been an integral part of the New York City jazz scene since 2003. He has released more than fifteen albums as a leader ranging from solo piano to big band. His album ‘New Cuban Express’ was nominated for a Grammy in 2013. Valera has toured and recorded with Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo Sandoval, Steve Smith, Dafnis Prieto and Yosvany Terry. ... more

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