Manuel Valera
Pianist
Received the 2005 and 2006 ASCAP Young Composers Award and was a finalist at the 2004 and 2006 Great American Jazz Competition.
He studied at New York's New School University.
His 2012 release New Cuban Express earned him a 2013 Grammy Award nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.
His family was residing in Havana when he was born, but he opted to move to New York City in 2000.
He was inspired by the art of Bill Evans, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett.