Renown Grammy Award winning Latin jazz flutist, Dave Valentin, was born of Puerto Rican parents in 1952 in New York City. His love for music started quite early; playing bongos and congas before he was 10 and even working Latin clubs in New York by 12. His talent and interest took him to the well respected High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he began studying percussion.
Valentin changed to flute and complemented his formal education at school with private classes under master flutist Hubert Laws. The early influences on Valentin’s development as a flutist came from Latin artists such as Richard Egues but was tempered by American jazz musicians including James Moody, Frank Wess, Joe Farrell and, of course, his mentor, Hubert Laws.
Valentin soon began working as a professional musician in Latin bands, developing an unusual technique that featured blowing in a manner that sounded like percussion. Other unique developments by Valentin included singing into the flute and using non-standard flute instruments such a bass flute and a variety of flute developed in Colombia. He applied his techniques to a wide variety of music genres, ranging from jazz and R&B to salsa and merengue.
Despite the fact that the market for Latin jazz artists was not very good when Valentin was trying to establish his professional career, he persevered and pursued other avenues. He made a name for himself in the Far East, Australia, and Europe as well as the United States, based on his extraordinary and evident talent.
Valentin released his debut album in 1977 with Ricardo Marrero and also appeared on a recording by Noel Pointer. He was the first artist to sign with the GRP label, respected for its talented pool of Jazz artists and technical leadership in digital recording techniques. Valentin produced 16 recordings for GRP, and became a respected Latin jazz instrumentalist in the market. A highpoint release was a joint effort with Herbie Mann, 1990’s “Two Amigos.”
His more recent recordings were released on other record labels, such as “Primitive Passions” in 1996 on RMM Records. That album was followed by “Sunshower” in 1999 on the Concord Jazz label, and featuring more smooth Latin jazz, such as “Reunion,” which shows the great influence of Hupert Laws.
To his artistic credit, Valentin is also a composer, arranger, and bandleader in addition to being the most celebrated Latin flutist today. He won a Grammy nomination in 1985 and the kudos of jazz fans with his selection as the leading jazz flutist by Jazziz magazine readers for seven years running.
Since the mid-2000's, Valentin has been signed to HighNote Records releasing “World On A String,” in 2005 and “Come Fly With Me,” in 2006. This last effort features a premier rhythm section of Robee Ameen on drums, Milton Cardona and Richie Flores on percussion, a full on Latin jazz outing from the inspiring flutist. This recording is reviewed here by Michael Gladstone at ‘all about jazz.’
Performing a variety of ethnic and classical flutes, Dave Valentin’s playing combines a popular and accessible form of Brazilian, salsa, merengue, funk and jazz. A native of the South Bronx, Valentin began with bongos and congas, later focusing on the flute at the urging of his teacher, Hubert Laws. He has recorded 25 albums and has performed with such legendary performers as Tito Puente (as his Music Director), Machito, Herbie Mann, Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Barreto, Eddie Palmieri and Johnny Pacheco. Voted “Best Jazz Flutist” in Jazzis Magazine for the past eight years, his most recent CDs, for Highnote Records, are World on a String (2005) and Come Fly With Me (2006). Mr. Valentin is a proud Bronx resident and active member of his community.
A native New Yorker, Bill O’Connell studied classical music at The Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He played in various salsa and jazz settings early in his career setting the tone for his musical style. He joined Dave Valentin in 1982 and they have been touring the world together ever since. Bill, an internationally recognized composer, has his original compositions on CDs by Mongo Santamaria, Emily Remler, Charles Fambrough, and on virtually every recording made by Dave Valentin.
A mainstay of the New York City jazz/Latin/studio scene, Lincoln Goines has recorded and performed with an extensive list of artists including Sonny Rollins, Gato Barbieri, Dave Grusin, Carly Simon, Paquito D'Rivera, Michel Camilo, Eliane Elias, Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Dave Samuels, Mike Stern, and Wayne Krantz. He is also an author, composer, and music educator.
In the time that Robby Ameen has spent living in New York City since the early eighties he has compiled a recording career stretching from Dizzy Gillespie to Paul Simon, while maintaining a more than fifteen year relationship with Latin luminaries Ruben Blades and Dave Valentin. Although he is of Lebanese origin, Robby is best known for the unique and powerful Afro-Cuban style he has created.
Richie Flores, one of the most in-demand percussionists of today’s active music scene has captured the attention of fans and critics alike by way of his electric performances that continually thrill audiences worldwide. Recently described by Latin Beat Magazine as having the fastest hands in the East and the West. Richie’s music is primal and powerful.
Alex Taveras
www.alexsings.com
Alexandra Taveras is a New York born, Dominican-American singer. She currently tours with Latin music sensation, Marc Anthony, and also performs with Jennifer Lopex. Taveras, a star in her own right, is recognized worldwide for her exceptional voice and enchanting beauty.
She began her professional career attending the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts on a scholarship. There, she received a Bachelor of Music specializing in vocal performance.
Alexandra returned to New York City, joining The New York Band. She toured with them worldwide, becoming a familiar face and voice to fans, and went on to release three The New York Band albums. Hit songs included, Mejor Me Mato, Que Piensas Tu Que Soy, and Always.
Her talent caught the attention of salsa star Tito Nieves. Together they recorded the number one duet, How do you Keep the Music Playing. Subsequently, Alexandra was invited to perform on legendary Tito Puente’s album, Mambo of the Times.
Following that success, she sang on Marc Anthony's blockbuster, Libre and began touring with him. Alexandra continues to tour with Marc as well as working with many of today's Latin music greats.
Alex has made numerous television appearances with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez on popular shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show and Saturday Night Live to name a few.
Alexandra’s mesmerizing voice and smoldering looks have lead her to venues around the world. She has, for example, toured with Mexican superstar, Thalía – both artists garnering rave reviews.
Her self-titled album, Alexandra Taveras (2005), was produced in Puerto Rico by powerhouse producer/composer, Angel "Cucco" Peña. Peña has produced the likes of Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Ricky Martin. Her album was enthusiastically received by fans.
An in-demand studio singer as well, Alexandra Taveras features in a variety of global corporate ad campaigns.
With her success, she became and continues to be one of the most sought after studio singers, recording backgrounds for an endless number of artists. She recorded a self-titled album for Universal Latino with the famous producer Angel “Cucco” Peña , an album that her fans continue to love.
She began her professional career attending the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts on a scholarship. There, she received a Bachelor of Music specializing in vocal performance.
Alexandra returned to New York City, joining The New York Band. She toured with them worldwide, becoming a familiar face and voice to fans, and went on to release three The New York Band albums. Hit songs included, Mejor Me Mato, Que Piensas Tu Que Soy, and Always.
Her talent caught the attention of salsa star Tito Nieves. Together they recorded the number one duet, How do you Keep the Music Playing. Subsequently, Alexandra was invited to perform on legendary Tito Puente’s album, Mambo of the Times.
Following that success, she sang on Marc Anthony's blockbuster, Libre and began touring with him. Alexandra continues to tour with Marc as well as working with many of today's Latin music greats.
Alex has made numerous television appearances with Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez on popular shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show and Saturday Night Live to name a few.
Alexandra’s mesmerizing voice and smoldering looks have lead her to venues around the world. She has, for example, toured with Mexican superstar, Thalía – both artists garnering rave reviews.
Her self-titled album, Alexandra Taveras (2005), was produced in Puerto Rico by powerhouse producer/composer, Angel "Cucco" Peña. Peña has produced the likes of Marc Anthony, Celia Cruz, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Ricky Martin. Her album was enthusiastically received by fans.
An in-demand studio singer as well, Alexandra Taveras features in a variety of global corporate ad campaigns.
With her success, she became and continues to be one of the most sought after studio singers, recording backgrounds for an endless number of artists. She recorded a self-titled album for Universal Latino with the famous producer Angel “Cucco” Peña , an album that her fans continue to love.
Bill Ortiz
www.billortiz.com
His performing and recording credits include work with such diverse and dynamic artists as: Santana, Destiny's Child, Tito Puente and Tony Toni Tone.
Others include, Dallas Austin, Patty Austin, Michelle Branch, Cachao, Tevin Cambell, Don Cherry, Eagle Eye Cherry, Ravi Coltrane, Chick Corea, DJ Quik, The Dramatics, En Vouge, Sheila E, Buddy Buy, Herbie Hancock, Anthony Hamilton, Lauren Hill, Bobby Hutcherson, James Ingram, Irakere, Quincy Jones, Angelique Kidjo, Beyonce' Knowles, John McLaughlin, Andy Narell, Flora Purim And Airto, Todd Rundgren, Arturo Sandoval, Boz Scaggs, Wayne Shorter, Souls Of Mischief, The Spinners, TLC, Cecil Taylor, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Mary Wilson and Steve Winwood.
Presently, Bill is recording and touring with Carlos Santana, including his performances on the Grammy Award winning singles SMOOTH and THE GAME OF LOVE. In addition, he has been very active as a studio musician in Hip-Hop, R&B and jazz.
