Manuel Valera & the New Cuban Express September 23, 2012

A touring sideman with Arturo Sandoval and Dafnis Prieto for three years, pianist Manuel Valera currently leads an all-star band called The New Cuban Express. Dubbed "Jazz Cubano for Modern Times" and comprised of seven prominent young musicians, this group features a contemporary compositional take on the music of the island of Cuba as well as original pieces.The rotating cast includes pianist and bandleader Manuel Valera, saxophonist Yosvany Terry, trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, drummer Ernesto Simpson, bassist John Benitez, guitarist Adam Rogers and percussionist Mauricio Herrera. This ensemble is sometimes customized as a quartet format.