New Cuban Express Big Band (1)

New Cuban Express Big Band

Presented by Terraza 7

Date:Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Time:

• 7:00 PM – Open rehearsal

• 8:30 PM – A full set of original big band music

Admission:

• $20 for mezzanine seating (limited to 20 seats)

• $10 for first-floor seating

Featuring:

SAXES:

• Michael Thomas

• Patrick Cornelius

• Jonathan Lowery

• Jeremy Powell

• Andrew Hadro

TRUMPETS:

• Brian Pareschi

• Jesus Ricardo

• Stuart Mack

• Jonathan Saraga

TROMBONES:

• Mike Fahei

• John Yao

• Nick Vayenas

• Jeff Nelson

RHYTHM SECTION:

• Manuel Valera (piano)

• Jakob Ebers on Bass

• Julian Miltenberger on drums

Directed, compositions, and arrangements by Manuel Valera.

About New Cuban Express Big Band:

Manuel Valera’s Big Band serves as an extension of Valera’s Grammy Nominated Sextet, New Cuban Express. The Band features Valera's original writing for the large ensemble and adaptations from his earlier works for big band, including music from the self-titled Grammy Nominated record "New Cuban Express." Influences include the works of Latin jazz arrangers like Chico O'Farrill and Tito Puente, as well as the style of big bands such as Thad Jones, Kenny Wheeler, and Bob Brookmeyer. The initial concerts will showcase Valera’s Chamber Music America commission "Jose Marti en Nueva York," adapted for the large ensemble. Composed in 2015, this song cycle is based on the works of Cuban poet Jose Martí during his exile in New York in the late 1800s and features the great Argentinian singer Sofia Rei. Other musicians featured in the Ensemble include Michael Rodriguez, John Ellis, Roman Filiu, and others.

About Manuel Valera:

Born and raised in Havana, Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera has become a prominent figure in the modern jazz scene since arriving in NYC. His contributions as a pianist and composer have been recognized with national reviews, and he has collaborated with notable artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera, and many more. Valera is a dynamic and prolific artist, with 12 CDs as a bandleader, and his projects range from the Grammy-nominated New Cuban Express to his contemporary trio and solo piano works. His latest trio recording, "The Seasons," is slated for release on MAVO Records in spring 2017. Valera has received numerous composition grants and awards, including Chamber Music America’s New Jazz Works, the Dranoff International 2 Piano Foundation, and the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. He has performed globally in over 30 countries at renowned venues and festivals.