Manuel Valera Group, “Melancolia” – [Revisited]

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Jazz, Latin Jazz, New Music, Piano

Manuel Valera Group, Melancolia

After hearing Cuban pianist’s / composer / arranger Manuel Valera’s debut “Forma Nueva,” I was in awe with anticipation of his next release “Melancolia” on Mavo Records. The twenty-something Valera establishes his presence from the first note as a player, composer and arranger on his sophomore project “Melancolia.”

Perhaps at any given time you’re like me you love to see and hear first call players. Manuel called upon this fabulous cast of musicians: saxophonist, – Seamus Blake | bassist, – Ben Street | drummer, – Antonio Sanchez on board to bring life to these stunning arrangements.

“The Conga Player” by Bua [Art]

Tags

African American, African American Art, Street Art

Today, we’ve been blessed to introduce and exciting new urban artist named Justin Bua. Well he’s not exactly new to the scene. However, with one look at his gallery you’ll discover he is without question charismatic in his approach as one of the pioneers of street art. On this day, we’re honored to share with you his latest piece titled “The Conga Player.”

Bua, "The Conga Player"

The Latin Jazz Beat [Nu Jazz]

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Arturo Sandoval, Jazz, Latin Jazz, Piano, Trumpet

Moved by what he heard and experienced on a trip to Cuba, Dizzy Gillespie was one of the first American jazz artists to embrace the intoxicating sounds of the Latin Jazz landscape. Moreover, if you haven’t heard the following artists below, be sure and take them for a spin. We’re sure you will be more then delighted with what you hear. By chance, if you’re already and enthusiast of this wonderful music please share with us some of your favorite Latin Jazz artists .  – V Bop’

Robert Fonseca – Zamazu

Roberto Sonseca

Following in the long lineage of great Cuban pianists, from Jorge Bolet to Gonzalo Rubalcaba, the brilliant young pianist Roberto Fonseca has been called “the most promising and important talent in Cuban music.” On Zamazu, the former member of the Buena Vista Social Club — he replaced Rubén Gonzalez after his departure — distinguishes himself as a spectacular player, composer, arranger and bandleader. With bassist Orlando “Cachaito” Lopez, Brazilian percussionist Carlinhos Brown, vocalist Omara Portuondo and Spain’s flamenco guitar sensation Vincente Amigo. – Amazon.com

Arturo Sandoval – Rumba Palace

Arturo Sandoval, Rumba Palace

Sandoval, a Cuban ex-pat who was a founding member of Irakere, one of Havana’s most legendary jazz bands, has so far won four Grammys, six Billboard Awards, and even an Emmy (for the soundtrack to For Love Of Country — The Arturo Sandoval Story). His trumpet style, with its soaring improvisational pyrotechnics and sometimes blustery but always sonorous tone, has influenced an entire generation of young Latin players. Now a tenured professor at Florida International University and proud owner of Miami’s Arturo Sandoval Jazz Club but still a working musician, he has performed with everyone from Dizzy Gillespie to Michel Legrand to Tony Bennett to Patti Labelle. – Christina Roden, Amazon.com

Omar Sosa – Afreecanos

Omar Sosa, Afreecanos

Omar Sosa’s music is a unique style of Afro-Cuban jazz, and while it is rooted in the folkloric traditions of the African Diaspora, he always takes an exploratory approach – never one to let orthodoxy stand in the way of his pursuit of freedom. Sosa offers a joyful mix of jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, combining percussive forays inside the piano and a series of electronic effects with his inspired, passionate playing at the keyboard. His tempos are fluid, and his moods change freely. Sosa revels in the irresistible clave grooves of Latin jazz, while adding experimental touches to keep his listeners on their toes.- AAJ.com