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Manny Moka

Brooklyn-born Manny Moka (mannymoka.com) got his initial musical inspirations from older cousins who were already adept at the piano. He showed an aptitude for being able to pick out melodies he heard and play them on his toy piano at the age of 3. He started informal classical studies a few years later, but was always influenced by the popular and jazz music that permeated the fabric of multi-cultural New York City. By the time he entered college, he was committed to being a professional musician, eventually relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. After many years as an independent recording producer, arranger, and side-man, Manny finally put together a project of his own focusing on latin and funk grooves and featuring the finest Bay Area players, many of whom are bandleaders in their own right. His 2 CDs on lamp88 records have garnered critical acclaim.

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Dave Fries - WFIT-FM 89.5 Melbourne, FL "Manny has captured that Latin feel with his complex rhythms and rich harmonies. Brooklyn Battery is a delightful album featuring exceptional musicians, arrangements that are fun to hear and always tasteful."

Jeff Hanley - Jazz After Hours - PRI “Tremendous arrangements and fun, high energy music. Manny’s Brooklyn Battery sounds great on Jazz After Hours."

Arturo Gomez - KUVO Jazz89.3 - Denver "...a superior release, nice mix of tunes and vocals too." Jaz Sawyer - FM 94.1 KPFA Berkeley "Manny Moka leads a grooving and hard hitting Latin Jazz ensemble that you rarely hear today. Manny brings the local masters of our day from the west and east coasts, always capturing the feeling of excitement through powerful arrangements of originals and favorite standards. The latest effort, "Manny Moka", demonstrates the ability to merge the traditions of Afro-Cuban-Caribbean rhythms with jazz harmonies in a swinging blend of energy and virtuosity. The Manny Moka group is a must to check out!"

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