As a composer and pianist, Manuel Valera’s main objective when composing is to find a way to melt all his influences into something unique. “Growing up in Havana, Cuban music is an undeniable part of my heritage and colors my writing,” says Valera. “I draw from my background, for example, including Cuban music with Impressionistic harmonies or Baio from the North of Brazil with Bartok’s rhythmic elements. Overall, I try to create complex music that is simple to the ears.”

"The blending of Latin music with jazz harmony and improvisation has produced more than a mere hybrid, as a survey of New York's younger players would reveal. Manuel Valera, a Cuban pianist in his mid-20's, illustrates that evolution handily: postbop and classical romanticism are as integral to his vocabulary as Latin folk forms, and they all find natural expression in his music."Nate Chinen, New York Times