Let's make this birthday one to remember.

44 years old (Born on October 17, 1980)

Happy Birthday, Manuel! Another year older and still jazzing it up like nobody’s business. From winning the ASCAP Young Composers Award two years running (2005 & 2006) to dazzling everyone as a finalist at the Great American Jazz Competition in '04 and '06—you've proven that your talent ages better than fine wine.

Here's hoping this birthday hits all the right notes—just like every masterpiece you've composed so far. May you continue improvising through life with style, humor, and endless creativity. Keep swinging for greatness; after all these awards already under your belt, who knows what's next? Cheers!