Carlos Cuevas has been enjoying a successful music career for nearly 30 years. His experience as pianist, keyboardist, composer, and arranger has allowed him to explore virtually every avenue of the music scene on-stage and in the recording studio worldwide.
Born in England and raised in Valencia, Venezuela, Carlos holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and is currently finishing his Master of Music Degree at Queens College, City University of New York. His versatility has been put to work with the likes of the entire Laws family: NEA Jazz Master Hubert Laws (to whom Carlos has been performing and touring with for more than 10 years), Ronnie, Eloise, & Debra; as well as Bette Midler, Engelbert Humperdinck, Nestor Torres, The Los Angeles Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, New York's Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas, drummer/composer Chris Parker, and hispanic artists José José, Gloria Trevi, Alejandro Fernandez, Julio Iglesias , Alvaro Torres, & Lucho Gatica, 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 orchestra.
As a leader, Carlos has released two albums. His debut release, “DEPICTION”, features bassist Dean Taba and drummer Jimmy Branly. Since its release, “DEPICTION” has become the object of rave reviews from prestigious sources such as Downbeat Magazine (September 2004); Keyboard Magazine (July, 2006); Modern Drummer Magazine (December, 2004); Músico Pro Magazine (February, 2006); Los Angeles Jazz Scene (March & April 2004); and CDBaby.com. Carlos' second release, “UNINHIBITED REALM”, features John Patitucci on acoustic & electric basses, Jimmy Branly on drums & percussion, and a concerto for jazz trio and a 16-piece chamber orchestra. Following the success of his previous work, “UNINHIBITED REALM” has also been praised by Downbeat (August 2008); Keyboard (August, 2008); Modern Drummer (September 2008; & Músico Pro (May 2008), thus gaining well-deserved recognition in the U.S. and abroad.
Carlos makes his home in New York City where he has performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Jazz at Lincoln Center. He is also a sought- after educator.
“Cuevas possesses gifts as a player and composer, which he marshals to concoct
and execute complex music that nonetheless demands almost nothing of the
listener. Listening to Uninhibited Realm is like examining a vase that’s been
created by someone from a school of artisans known from their flawless
craftsmanship. It has no blemishes, no nicks, no rough edges or asymmetries-
nothing to betray the identity of the individual who made it, other than his or her
affiliation to this particular school.”
-Robert Doerschuk, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce
top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. 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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“Cuevas possesses gifts as a player and composer, which he marshals to concoct
and execute complex music that nonetheless demands almost nothing of the
listener. Listening to Uninhibited Realm is like examining a vase that’s been
created by someone from a school of artisans known from their flawless
craftsmanship. It has no blemishes, no nicks, no rough edges or asymmetries-
nothing to betray the identity of the individual who made it, other than his or her
affiliation to this particular school.”
-Robert Doerschuk, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“A former Keyboard Unsigned Artist of the Month, Carlos continues to produce
top-notch jazz, both as a player and a composer. 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
“A fine jazz pianist and composer, Cuevas expands on his classical influences
here. Bolstered by guest star bassist John Patitucci, a vibrant jazz trio set is
followed by a three-movement concerto including sixteen-piece chamber
orchestra. Sumptuous.”
-Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE
“Nos da mucho gusto presentar una nueva crítica de un disco de Carlos Cuevas,
quien apareció por primera vez en nuestras páginas como ganador del concurso
“Estrella Independiente” hace unos años atrás. Esta vez Carlos nos envió un CD
en que se muestra su crecimiento como artista y músico, desde la composición
de los temas, arreglos y su técnica, hasta el sonido general del CD. Acompañado
por músicos legendarios como John Patitucci en el bajo y Jimmy Branly en la
batería, Cuevas se muestra sólido como lider y músico.”
-Rodrigo Sánchez,
MÚSICO PRO MAGAZINE
“Accomplished and inventive, pianist Carlos Cuevas combines classical technique
with a robust sense of drive and melody on Depiction. 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.”
-John Ephland, DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE
“Whether breaking bar lines or splicing together clever arrangements, Carlos’
Depiction has a distinct voice and noteworthy depth.”
-Michael Gallant, KEYBOARD MAGAZINE
“Pianist Carlos Cuevas’ Depiction heralds a noteworthy up-and-comer. The
compelling keyboardist is rooted in straight-ahead, but his eclectic writing
navigates breathtaking left turns.”
-Jeff Potter, MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE
“Junto a un trío muy compenetrado, Carlos Cuevas lanza al mercado Depiction.
Este CD cuenta exclusivamente de composiciones originales de Cuevas, las cuales
demuestran ser un buen vehículo para las exploraciones armónicas, rítmicas y
melódicas de su trio.” “La interacción entre los miembros de este trio es muy
buena, y la combinación de Taba y Branly proveen un soporte ideal para impulsar
los enérgicos e introspectivos solos de Cuevas.”
-Rodrigo O. Sánchez, MÚSICO PRO MAGAZINE
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