Manuel Valera - Rise Again, Vol. 2 (2025) [Hi-Res]

Rise Again Vol. 2 is a continuation of the journey we began with Rise Again Vol. 1, released just a year ago. That first volume explored a more electric, fusion-driven side of the New Cuban Express. This time around, we’re leaning into the more acoustic aspect of the band—something that’s always been part of our identity. Our last fully acoustic project was In Motion, released back in 2014 on Criss Cross, so this feels like a natural and welcome return to that sound.


This collection features music that spans a wide timeline—some of it written during the isolation of the pandemic, and some, like “Emilianesque,” dating back over two decades. I wrote that tune for my senior recital at The New School 21 years ago. It’s a tribute to the late, great Cuban piano master Emiliano Salvador, a huge influence on my musical path. Though I’ve played it often over the years, even with artists like Paquito D’Rivera, this is my first time recording it as a leader.
The album also includes two tracks—“La Otra Mano” and “Closure”—that were recorded during the Rise Again Vol. 1 sessions. “La Otra Mano” originally appeared on my debut album Melancolía about 20 years ago, and I reimagined it for this version of the band during the pandemic. These tracks provide a musical bridge between the two volumes.


This current lineup of New Cuban Express has been together for the last three years, and the chemistry we’ve developed shines through in these recordings. I’m so fortunate to work with some of my favorite musicians: Alex Norris on trumpet, John Ellis and Felipe Lamoglia on tenor saxophones, Hamish Smith and Boris Kozlov on bass, Jimmy Macbride on drums, and Mauricio Herrera and Samuel Torres on percussion.


Several pieces on this album are personal tributes. “Susy” is dedicated to my amazing wife, Susana Diaz. “El Negro” was inspired by a groove posted online by the legendary drummer Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez during the pandemic, which I developed into a full composition. “Mr. Shorter” honors the memory and genius of Wayne Shorter, one of the most influential voices in my development as a composer and improviser.
We also continue our tradition of including a bolero with “Llora,” a stunning piece by Cuban songwriter Marta Valdés. And “The Journey” speaks to the endless path of learning and growth—musically and personally.


I’m deeply grateful to mixing and mastering engineer Oscar Autie and recording engineer Kostandin Kamcev for bringing their talent and care to this project. A heartfelt thank you to graphic designer Nelson Ponce for his creative vision, and most of all, to my family—your constant love and support mean everything to me.


Thanks for listening and for being part of this ongoing exploration.


— Manuel Valera May 2025

All compositions by Manuel Valera, except “Llora” by Marta Valdés.
Musicians
All Tracks
Manuel Valera – Acoustic Piano
Alex Norris – Trumpet, Flugelhorn
Jimmy Macbride – Drums
Tracks 1–6:
John Ellis – Tenor Saxophone
Hamish Smith – Acoustic Bass
Samuel Torres – Percussion
Tracks 7–8 (“La Otra Mano” and “Closure”):
Felipe Lamoglia – Tenor Saxophones
Boris Kozlov – Electric Bass
Mauricio Herrera – Percussion

Tracklist:
1-1 Manuel Valera - Emilianesque [4:44]
1-2 Manuel Valera - Susy [5:27]
1-3 Manuel Valera - Llora [4:06]
1-4 Manuel Valera - The Journey [6:01]
1-5 Manuel Valera - Mr. Shorter [4:26]
1-6 Manuel Valera - El Negro [4:55]
1-7 Manuel Valera - La Otra Mano [5:47]
1-8 Manuel Valera - Closure [6:02]