Maraca

Maraca is the Cuban jazz and Tropical outfit led by flautist, pianist, composer and arranger Orlando "Maraca" Valle (born Havana, 1966). After playing along with singer Bobby Carcassés and participating in Chucho Valdés' Irakere the talented musician decided to go on his own. The 12-member Maraca & Otra Visión and the Latin jazz Maraca and Afro-Cuban Jazz Masters followed soon after. From January 6th to the 31st, 2002 Maraca recorded the Tropical-inflected Tremenda Rumba! at Havana's Miramar Studios, featuring vocals by Wilfredo Campa and paying tribute to the Cuban dance style known as Danzon. ~ Drago Bonacich