Manuel Valera Quartet
The Django2 6th Avenue, New York 10013
Manuel Valera brings his quartet to The Django for a late set led by the Havana-born pianist and composer. Valera is joined by Patrick Cornelius on saxophone, Alex "Apolo" Ayala on bass, and Ludwig Alfonso on drums. The four-piece gives the evening a clear focus: Valera's piano writing and playing at the center, with saxophone, bass, and drums shaping the band sound around it.
A Grammy-nominated musician and Guggenheim Fellow, Valera is described as one of modern jazz's busiest figures. He has worked with Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Brian Lynch, Dafnis Prieto, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and Joshua Bell, among others. As a bandleader, he has recorded 13 albums and led several touring projects, from the Grammy-nominated New Cuban Express to a modern contemporary trio and solo-piano settings. That range makes this quartet date a chance to hear an established pianist-composer in a compact working-band format.
The Django offers a subterranean jazz experience inspired by Parisian boîtes, with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls that frame a stage equipped with a state-of-the-art Meyer Sound system. The venue combines two cocktail bars and an open dining area where you can enjoy an elevated menu alongside live performances every night. The evening unfolds with a focus on attentive listening, enhanced by award-winning cocktails crafted by Natasha David and a selection of small plates and dinner options. Shows require a cover charge and reservations are recommended to secure your spot. The setting invites you to settle in for a night of rich jazz sounds, fine food, and carefully mixed drinks, all within the cellar level of the Roxy Hotel, creating a distinct mood that feels both exclusive and welcoming.