Carlos Cuevas

Pianist, Composer, Arranger

About

Carlos Cuevas’ music career expands more than 3 decades. His experience as pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger, and producer has allowed him to explore virtually every musical avenue and to be equally at home on-stage and in the studio.

Carlos holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Texas and a Master of Music from The Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, The City University of New York, where he became the recipient of the prestigious Sir Roland Hanna Memorial Jazz Award. 

His versatility has been put to work with the likes of NEA Jazz Master Hubert Laws, Bette Midler, Engelbert Humperdinck, The Los Angeles Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, and New York's Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas to name a few. His arranging skills are also in high demand. Carlos has composed and arranged music for a wide variety of styles and ensembles that range anywhere from small group to big band and symphony orchestra.

As a leader, Carlos has released two albums. “DEPICTION" and "UNINHIBITED REALM”. Both albums have been praised by Downbeat, Keyboard, Modern Drummer, & Músico Pro magazines, as well as The Los Angeles Jazz Scene, and CDBaby.com.

Carlos makes his home in New York City where he has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He is a sought-after arranger, studio musician, producer, and educator.

Video

Land of Passion Live with the Hubert Laws Group
Better Days Ahead by Pat Metheny
True by Spandau Ballet
Blue in Green by Miles Davis & Bill Evans

Audio

Saltaperico
Rio
Mi-Aguinaldo
Lennon-McCartney

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Reviews

Album cover for Carlos Cuevas' album, Depiction, shows a close up of Carlos in sepia tones

"Accomplished and inventive, pianist Carlos Cuevas combines classical technique with a robust sense of drive and melody on Depiction (Cuevitas Music 001;58;20). In this program of 10 originals, Cuevas recalls Corea's flair for rhythmic complexity and storytelling, sharing the spotlight with bassist Dean Taba and drummer Jimmy Branly. All three play in tandem with arrangements that highlight unison lines and pulses. Cuevas' music gives as much attention to texture and feel as it does melody: If you can follow the chord progression and where "one" is, you'll get it. That goes for tricky numbers like the contrapuntally charged Organum Duplum or tuneful, heartfelt material like The Choice is Yours and An Epic For The Present"

– John Ephland, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

Album cover for Carlos Cuevas' album, Uninhibited Realm, shows a pixilated view of Manhattan from the Empire State Building in pale blue tones

"A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. On his new disc, Uninhibited Realm, things get deep and dirty from the first track - Saltaperico is angular and energetic, showcasing the pianist's insistent lines and bombastic two-handed, montuno-influenced fireworks. After thoroughly proving himself as a trio leader with the first six cuts of the album, Carlos jumps tracks with Concerto for Jazz Trio and Chamber Orchestra in Eb Minor, a three-movement work that's just as lively and original as the material that precedes it; bringing to mind both Gershwin and Bernstein. Carlos perfectly meshes the orchestral textures with his unique trio sound, and I highly recommend you listen to the results. We said it before and we'll say it again - Carlos is one to watch."

– Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE

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