Afro-Cuban Jazz Project is a collective of top-flight Cuban musicians guided by Orlando "Maraca" Valle, an extraordinary flute player and arranger who spent many years developing his skills as a member of Irakere. Recently, Maraca has gained wide international recognition for his virtuoso musicianship and skill as a bandleader. He has brought together traditonal and cutting-edge musicians for inspirational projects that mine the wealth of Cuban music history while searching for a new direction.