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Pristine, timeless, culled from a lifetime of cultivating a unique level of mastery, Kiki Valera’s virtuosity is intimately intertwined with the ethos of the Cuban cuatro guitar, and its central role within the legendary history of La Familia Valera Miranda, the pioneers of Eastern Cuba's son music. Embedded inside this dynamic tradition are infuential components that have informed mambo, salsa, cha-cha-cha and Latin Jazz, all of which can be heard on Valera’s latest masterwork Vacilón Santiaguero. Featuring his distinguished band (Pedro Vargas, Steve Guasch, Carlos Cascante, Francisco “Coco” Freeman, Joshuah de Jesus and Raquel Zozaya) and a host of celebrated guest artists (Alexis Baró, Steve Mostovoy, Michael Rodriguez, Jonathan Powell, Pete Nater, Dennis Hernandez, Brian Lynch, Thomas Marriott and Leon Q Allen), Vacilón Santiaguero features twelve compositions arranged by Valera that showcase the full scope of his passionate interpretation of the vibrant musicality of son. Reimagining the Cuatro within any musical style he entertains, Valera’s genius stems from the complete dedication he brings to his instrument and the unique ways (tuning, fngerings and an illustrious technique) he’s helped carved a path for its prominence within Pan-Latin music. Having absorbed son, folkloric, classical, salsa and Jazz, Valera pays homage to them all within the remarkable textures embroidered into the sonic adventure of Vacilón Santiaguero.
Whether romantic, (Sobre una Tumba una Rumba), energetic (El Cuarto de Tula), celebratory (El Penquito e Coleto), or honoring incendiary cuisine (El Ají de Cocina), Vacilón Santiaguero’s vivacious sound ebbs and fows to the musical vitality Valera brings to every masterful note he plays. Vacilón Santiaguero is available at Circle 9 Records with the album release concert with Kiki Valera y su Son Cubano will be held at Public Theatre (Joe’s Pub) in New York City on July 5th.