Based in New York City, Grammy nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. Since arriving in NYC, he has become well known in the NYC modern jazz scene, garnering national reviews and lending his talents as a pianist and composer to such notable artist as Arturo Sandoval, Paquito DRivera, Brian Lynch, Dafnis Prieto, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jeff Tain Watts, Chris Potter, Dave Binney, Adam Rogers, Mark Turner, John Benitez, Samuel Torres, Joel Frahm, Yosvany Terry and Pedro Martinez among many others. This dynamic and prolific artist has recorded nine cds as a bandleader. His critically acclaimed debut cd in 2004 Forma Nueva (MAVO) features John Patitucci, Horacio El Negro Hernandez Bill Stewart and Seamus Blake. Historia (Fresh Sounds New Talent 2005), a jazz quartet with Antonio Sanchez, Seamus Blake and Ben Street. His third release Melancolia (MAVO 2006)employs a string quartet incorporating world rhythms and classical concepts in the jazz idiom. Vientos (Anzic, 2007),representing a new working quartet, features bassist James Genus, drummer Ernesto Simpson, saxophonist Joel Frahm and a woodwind quartet. His fifth and trio recording Currents (MaxJazz 2009) features Ernesto Simpson and James Genus. His sixth recording New Cuban Express (MAVO) released in 2012 received a Grammy nomination, followed by Expectativas (MAVO 2013). His solo piano recording, Self Portrait (MAVO), released in June 2014 is already receiving national reviews. The most recent New Cuban Express recording In Motion was released on CrissCross in September 2014. In addition, he has been awarded several grants for composition most notably Chamber Music Americas New Jazz Works and the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award. Manuel has travelled the world performing in over 30 countries at some of the biggest international venues and festivals.