Nuna

David Virelles presents Nuna, a collection of compositions for solo piano. Virelles, a Cuban-American pianist and composer, has worked with a diverse range of musicians including Henry Threadgill, Mark Turner, and Bill Frisell. The pieces on Nuna draw inspiration from various African-diasporic musical traditions, such as jazz, Cuban music, and European piano practices. Virelles incorporates a modernist harmonic approach to explore the full dynamic range of the piano both technically and sonically. Through his playing, Virelles aims to connect the sounds of folkloric keyboard instruments like thumb pianos and drums with the concert grand piano. This connection is achieved through his touch and pedaling techniques. Nuna also serves as a tribute to three of Virelles's piano mentors who have passed away in recent years: Muhal Richard Abrams, Stanley Cowell, and Barry Harris.