Dave Valentin: Biography

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• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

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• Hubert Laws
• Herbie Mann
• Patrice Rushen
• Johnny Pacheco
• Bobbi Humphrey
• Dave Pike
• Artie Webb

• John Lennon
• Lincoln Goines
• Paul McCartney
• Bill O'Connell
• Oskar Cartaya

• Milton Cardona
• Dave Grusin
• Hilton Ruiz
• Tito Puente
• Larry Rosen
• Giovanni Hidalgo
• Robert Ameen

Born:

Jan 1, 1954 in Chelmsford, England

Genres:

Jazz Music, Latin Jazz Music, Contemporary Jazz Music

Decades Active:

1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Medium

Cultural Impact

Medium

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

Dave Valentin, who has recorded over 15 albums for GRP, combines together the influence of pop, RB, 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 gigged 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, he 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 and he has been a popular attraction ever since.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide