The Manuel Varela Quartet Plays the Van Dyke Cafe Tonight

Manuel Valera's one of those young guys out there in the jazz circuit who has paid his dues and has toured supporting some stellar names. These past couple of years he's come into his own. His compositions for trios and quartets, as well as his inviting and symbiotic manner on...

By Abel Folgar

February 25, 2010

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Manuel Valera's one of those young guys out there in the jazz circuit who has paid his dues and has toured supporting some stellar names. These past couple of years he's come into his own. His compositions for trios and quartets, as well as his inviting and symbiotic manner on the keys, are receiving some of the highest accolades in the jazz world. If Lancôme had a jazz division, Manuel Valera would be its face.

To top off the musical treat when he plays tonight at the Van Dyke, he'll be joined onstage by three of the most versatile players around these days. The rhythm section will be set by drummer Dafnis Prieto, who is a marvel on the skins and bassist Yunior Terry, whose name is synonymous with modern New York jazz. Felipe Lamoglia has been tearing up the Latin jazz set with his saxophone since he emigrated from Cuba in 1999, and he'll certainly add a wildcard element to tonight's jam. This is a rare opportunity to catch such amazing talent in such an intimate setting, so don't cry later if you miss it.

The Manuel Valera Quartet. Thursday, February 25th. The Van Dyke Café, 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Show starts at 9 p.m., admission is free. 305-534-3600; thevandykecafe.com

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