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Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society presents the Dave Valentin on October 7th. |
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Written by Ronaldo Oregano
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Saturday, 22 September 2007 |
 Dave Valentin
The most celebrated Latin flutist today, Dave Valentin was born of Puerto Rican parents in 1952 in New York City. Valentin is also a composer, arranger, and band leader. 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. Dave recorded over 15 albums for GRP, combining the influence of pop, R&B and Brazilian music with Latin jazz to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz.
Since the mid-2000s, Valentin has been signed to Highnote Records releasing World On A String (in 2005) and Come Fly With Me (in 2006). He has done several collaborations with pianist Bill O’Connel and was a Latin Grammy nominee again in 2006.
Dave Valentin started playing Latin percussion at the age of five and began performing professionally at the age of eleven. At the late age of sixteen he picked up the flute for the first time. In high school (the New York City Public School System), Dave took a test for music (percussion), and art. He passed the test, majoring in percussion. He then studied at the Bronx Community College majoring in Liberal Arts.
After purchasing an album recorded by Hubert Laws, he looked up his name in the Musicians Directory (Union Book), called him and asked for lessons. Mr. Laws is one of the best jazz flutists in the world. For the next six months he was Dave's mentor. He then took the next three months to train classically with Harold Bennett and three months of training with Harold Jones.
Dave went back to work at his old JHS after school program called "Change Through Music." He taught Latin Jazz to the inner city kids, and was able to involve gang members in this program, thus giving back to his community. He accepted a position as a full time professor teaching Latin and music for several years. His work and dedication influenced many children to continue their education. Dave feels very proud to be a part of what they have accomplished, and continues to visit, talk, and play with them to keep inspiring and motivate them to a higher level of education. "No matter where you come from you can rise and accomplish anything." Dave has become an extraordinary role model, and feels it is up to people in his position to make a change. He accepts this challenge with open arms.
Throughout his travels in different countries and ethnic communities, Dave has collected many flutes, most of which he travels with and uses at his performances. Some of the flutes he uses are from; Africa, Japan, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and the American Indian. In his shows he plays them and explains the significance to the culture of origin. This gives his students and the public a much better understanding of the wonderful instrument he plays.
- Sunday, October 7, 2007
- Flutist, Dave Valentin Quintet with Phoenix Rivera, drums; Luke Carlos, piano; Chembo Corniel, percussion; Oskar Cartaya, bass.
- $30. Tickets at the door.
- Doors Open at 3 PM, event from 4:30 to 7:30 PM, with intermission
BACH DANCING & DYNAMITE SOCIETY Proudly Presenting the Best in Jazz for 42 Years 307 Mirada Road ON MIRAMAR BEACH IN HALF MOON BAY PO Box 302, El Granada, CA 94018 650-726-4143 / 726-3134 (fax) www.BACHDDSOC.ORG |
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 Friday, 25 July 2008
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