User:Jahzebel/Orlando "Maraca" Valle

Orlando "Maraca" Valle is a Cuban jazz and salsa flutist. Formerly of the noted Cuban jazz ensemble Irakere, he currently leads the group Maraca & Otra Vision, whose 2003 CD release Tremenda Rumba was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Salsa Album category. His nomination that year made Maraca the youngest Cuban artist ever nominated by the US National Recording Academy. This occurred during a difficult period in Cuba - United States relations and Cuban musicians (including Valle's group) were repeatedly denied visa access to the United States for purposes of touring and attending recognition ceremonies.

Recognition and Awards
2003 – 45th Grammy Nominee - BEST SALSA ALBUM (Maraca/Tremenda Rumba) 2002 – Billboard Top Latin Album Best Seller (Maraca/Tremenda Rumba) 1998 - Latin Beat Magazine Top Ten Album of the Year (Maraca/ ‘Sonando!’) 1997 - Latin Beat Magazine Top Ten Album of the Year (Maraca/ ‘Havana Calling’)