One name comes to mind when you think about the heart and soul of San Diego's music scene, Jaime Valle.

Although his sound could best be described as jazz, his ease with a guitar and rousing way around a tune can't be held by musical boundaries. He touches on standards, jazz classics, folk songs and more, each recast by Valle in his own inimitable style.

It's more than just the music that makes him a local favorite. His amiable words and contributions to the works of other musicians, as well as his winning smile are priceless.

It's a mark of the esteem in which he's held by area musicians that he's won the coveted Best Latin Music award at the San Diego Music Awards, nine out of the last 10 years.

To date, Valle has released three albums with a fourth, "Vital Signs" due soon. As his last two albums scored SDMAs for Best Jazz Album, oddsmakers say there's a good chance he'll make it a hat trick.

Die-hard fans should also look for the soundtrack to the film "Love Always," which includes his music.

In addition to being a cutting edge musician, Valle's music is also on the high-tech edge. None other than audiophile Hong Kong label Top Music International has re-issued his debut album, as a flagship release for their new line of SACD super audio discs.

As it was when CDs first made the rounds, initial releases in a new format tend to be instrumental, the better to bring out every sonic nuance in the new technology.

With Valle's virtuoso playing and a stellar band that includes Ernie Watts on sax and Carl Evans Jr. on piano, it's clear to see why the album was selected.

Valle is one of the hardest working musicians in the area, and can be seen at numerous clubs around town with his various combos.

For La Jolla jazz buffs, the recommended nightspot is Tutto Mare, where he performs every Wednesday with his quartet.

With it's great ambiance, it's a good place to catch a set by this master musician. A performance from Valle can be a celebratory event, with the dance floor packed from start to finish and a real sense of fun.

Valle performs at Tutto Mare, 4635 Executive Drive, on Wednesdays starting at 5:30 p.m. Call (858) 597-1188.