Born and raised in Havana, Grammy nominated, Guggenheim Fellow, pianist and composer Manuel Valera is one of the busiest musicians on the modern jazz scene. He's garnered national reviews and lent his talents to artists like Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Brian Lynch, Dafnis Prieto, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Joshua Bell and many others.

Valera has recorded 13 albums as a bandleader with touring projects ranging from his Grammy nominated group New Cuban Express to his modern contemporary trio and solo piano.