Ramon Valle - The Art of Two (2016) [Hi-Res]

Pianist Ramón Valle and flutist Orlando ‘Maraca’ Valle are cousins who have been playing together since their teens in Havana, Cuba, where they grew up. Both studying classical music at the conservatory, they soon discovered their mutual love for jazz. Secretly they often strayed from their classical repertoire to completely surrender to the freedom of improvisation. Later on, each went his own way towards international success.

The new album „The Art of Two“ is all about remaining their family ties and celebrating their love for music. At the Bimhuis they will open their concert with a duo performance, followed by a set with an outstanding rhythm section.

Ramón Valle has earned praise all over the world for his overwhelming, expressive piano playing, in which he incorporates his Cuban roots as well as his classical education. Around the turn of the millennium he moved to Amsterdam where he connected with the best Dutch jazz musicians. Orlando ‘Maraca’ Valle played in established bands such as Irakere and Afro-Cuban All Stars and was nominated for a Grammy with his own group Maraca.

Musical empathy and nearness, but also virtuosity and brightness are some of the main characteristics of these two personalities of the Cuban music scene, cousins in real life, who have both achieved an outstanding musical career; Ramon, the pianist, has performed with Roy Hargrove, Silvio Rodriguez and as a leader of his own trio, he has offered shows worldwide in some of the best jazz festivals, while Maraca, once nominated to the US Grammy Awards, a former member of chucho valdès and Irakere's band as a flutist and keyboardist is the mastermind and bandleader of numerous thrilling projects such as Maraca and his Latin Jazz All Stars, and often featured as a special guest of international scope Artists such as Al di Meola.

This project adapts in varying formats, duo, quartet or quintet.

Ramón Valle, piano
Orlando 'Maraca' Valle, flute

Tracklist:
01. Ramon Valle - Johanna (4:05)
02. Ramon Valle - Love for Marah (3:05)
03. Ramon Valle - El Guanajo Relleno (3:56)
04. Ramon Valle - Alena (7:27)
05. Ramon Valle - Monologo (4:00)
06. Ramon Valle - Latin for Two (3:42)
07. Ramon Valle - Tú Mi Delirio (9:01)
08. Ramon Valle - Miguajira Con Tumbao (4:08)
09. Ramon Valle - Puentes (3:37)
10. Ramon Valle - Amigos (3:36)