Manuel Valera New Cuban Express Big Band

Distancia

Greenleaf, 2022

8/10

Listen to Distancia

A long time mover and shaker of the New York City jazz scene, the pianist and composer Manuel Valera brings us a new batch of his dynamic and creative jazz sounds.

“Expectativas” leads the listen with bright trumpet from Alex Norris, soulful sax from Remy LeBoeuf and Samuel Torres’ playful percussion guiding the timeless jazz flavor, and “Gemini” follows with Valera’s precise keys steering the cautious brass that finds a very adventurous place to reside.

In the middle, Hamish Smith’s strategic bass and Jimmy MacBride’s agile drumming complements the warm vocal scatting, while “From The Ashes” focuses on Matt MacDonald’s trombone and Michael Thomas’ soprano sax as Valera’s eloquent keys make an impression.

The title track arrives near the end and allows Charles Pillow’s soprano sax and Mike Fahle’s trombone to emit much beauty, and “Remembered” exits the listen with Alex Goodman’s cozy guitar lines aligned with Andy Clausen’s glowing trombone and David Smith’s lively trumpet prowess.

A very stylish, rich and superbly textured affair, Valera’s been Grammy nominated, and after listening to Distancia it’s quite clear why he’s deserving of such an honor.

Travels well with: Bill O’Connell- Wind Off The Hudson; TriTone Asylum- The Hideaway Sessions