The Cuban-born pianist Ramón Valle made his debut in '93 with a very personal style and sound. Now living in the Netherlands, this musician has clearly listened well to the greats like Keith Jarett, Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock, but through his Cuban heritage gives his piano playing his own individual mark. With flying fingers he plays his creative and dynamic jazz with a great deal of expression. Fellow countryman and pianist Chucho Valdès says: “Hearing Ramón play is a feast of imagination, spontaneity, lyricism and beauty. Not just because of how he plays, but also because of his compositions.” On his latest CD Danza Negra Valle lets himself be inspired by the Cuban pianist Ernesto Lecuona. Driven by respect and affection Valle arranged ten of his pieces to perform with his own quintet. Some are beautifully atmospheric, with an important role for trumpet player Carlos Puig. However, the real passion and temperament show in the up-tempo pieces. What can't remain unsaid is the fact that the extremely talented saxophonist Perico Sambeat is also part of the Ramon Valle Quintet. Sambeat is this year's winner of the Bird Award Artist Deserving Wider Recognition. Special guest at this performance is trumpet player Roy Hargrove.
