Searching Out

Born and raised in Colorado, Manuel grew up with a great passion for music. Having a natural taste for Latin music he began playing congas in his early teen years. Not too long after he picked up a pair of drum sticks and began playing the drums. Since then his experiences performing and meeting great musicians has led him to form the Latin Jazz trio. 'No one was playing the music I wanted to play' he states. 'Which is why I put this group together.' The trio quickly became known for playing a variety of repertoire from old Cuban standards to more modern arrangements. In 2007 the band was featured on KUVO 89.3 (Denver Jazz radio) and from that session 'Danzon for My Father' was selected to be a part of their 'Best of live performances 2007' album. The following year a larger version of the band was invited to perform with Jerry Gonzalez (Ft. Apache Band) at the King Center in Denver for the 'Night of Cuban music' event. After many performances Manuel began to be influenced more and more by Michel Camilo, Avishai Cohen, Chick Corea, Hilario Duran, and other small groups. He loved the virtuosity, energy, and most of all the interaction in a small group. In 2008 the trio was called to back up Grammy award winning Latin Jazz flutist Dave Valentine at Dazzle in Denver, since then the trio has been the format of choice. In 2012 Maria D. Lopez, Manuel's wife, joined the trio to add her unique voice to the groups' sound. Performing romantic boleros to other Cuban repertoire, and her own original repertoire. Currently the group continues to draw from their knowledge and love for this music to push the repertoire to a higher level. Manuel comments on this, 'we have some great Michel and Chick tunes, and we've also started playing some of Pete's tunes. Maria adds another dimension, her voice and talents are at home in the group.' The trio's latest recording is from October of 2009 when they were again featured on KUVO 89.3fm in the Phillis A. Greene studio.