In 1996, journalist Raul Rico of the authoritative Latin Beat Magazine, already praised the group as “Europe’s finest in latin jazzâ€. Many have followed him over the years, and not without reason. The 8-piece group belongs to the top of the Latin scene as can be judged from USA radio playlists which regularly show a top ranking position for Nueva Manteca’s CD’s. Nueva Manteca has toured with an impressive number of international stars, including: Giovanni Hidalgo, Armando Peraza, Orestes Vilato, Luis Conte, Bobby Sanabria, Nicky Marrero, Ralph Irizarry and Claudio Roditi. The group toured a.o. in: USA, Canada, Dutch Caribbean, Trinidad, Israel, and concertized in such European countries as England, Finland, Denmark, Germany, Belgium and France.
A more recent highlight was Nueva Manteca’s successful performance at the prestigious Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest( 2003) . It was for the first time that a Latin group from Europe was invited to perform at this much- coveted festival.
Worldwide Nueva Manteca has been well known for its synergy between Cuban Music and Jazz music pur sang. The artists are the living example that the sum is more than the parts. And considering the parts resemble an international caliber and equally convincing soloist capacities of the individual member expect a sizzling and swinging show! Nueva Manteca shows what musical synergy is all about.
QUOTES:
The ambassadors of Latin jazz in Europe (Joey Sala, Puerto Rico Jazz festival)
Nueva Manteca, Europes ..1 Latin jazz ensemble (Raul Rico, Latin Beat)
Nueva Manteca is utterly unique (Larry Birnbaum, Downbeat magazine)Discografie:
Nueva Manteca -
Varadero Blues - Timeless (1989)
Afrodisia - Timeless (1990)
Bluesongo - Lucho/EMI (1992)
Porgy & Bess - Lucho/EMI(1993)
In concert at Nick Vollebregt's Café – Wereldomroep (1994)
Let's Face The Music and Dance - Blue Note / World Pacific (1995)
Afro Cuban Sanctus - Azucar/EMI (1997)
Night People - Azucar/EMI (1998)
Congo Square- Munich Records(2002)
A latin tribute to West Side Story- Munich records (2003)
Motown Mambo (to be released in 2008)(Maxanter Worldseries)
