Sunday Night Jazz Showcase
Program 36 (September 14 at 11pm)
Dave Valentin, who has recorded over 15 albums for GRP Records, combines together the influence of pop, R&B, and Brazilian music with Latin jazz to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz.
At age nine, Valentin enjoyed playing bongos and congas. He played at Latin clubs in New York from age 12 and it was not until he was 18 that he seriously started studying flute. Valentin's teacher, Hubert Laws, suggested that he not double on saxophone because of his attractive sound on the flute.
In 1977, Valentin made his recording debut with Ricardo Marrero's group and he was also on a Noel Pointer album. Discovered by Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen, Valentin was the first artist signed to GRP.
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.
Story provided by Allmusic
