Valera, Manuel
MAXJAZZ, 2009, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 15.4
Jazz Ruler Type: Latin
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 
O’s Notes: This is an electric piano trio featuring Manuel Valera with Bassist James Genus and drummer Ernesto Simpson. The program is an equal mix of originals and covers. They open with Valera’s “Numerico”, an energetic piece that is heavily syncopated. That sets the tone for the session as they navigate through ten selections, mostly action-oriented arrangements. Genus and Simpson are well integrated each taking dynamic solos on “How Deep Is The Ocean”. They slow down a bit for “I Fall In Love Too Easily” and the warm tones of “I Loves You Porgy”. But we preferred the blistering pace of “Currents” and our favorite track, “Hindsight”.
Publicist: MAXJAZZ
