Dave Valentin: Sunshower

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: November 1, 1999

New York flutist Dave Valentin gigged as a teenager on congas before studying with Hubert Laws and taking his flute talents seriously. Today he’s musical director for Tito Puente and firmly rooted in the Latin jazz tradition.

Valentin’s latest album crosses a variety of styles, from the modern mainstream spark of "Space Cadet" to the smooth jazz melodies of "Reunion" and "Sunshower," the funk groove of "Embers" and "Porkchops," and the Latin dance of "Bandit" and "Subway Six," both of which exude a Disney appeal. Valentin’s bias for accessible melody over rhythmic variety and improvisation insure that his appeal will remain commercially successful. Fortunately, he’s added a pinch of salsa to the mix, so that his audience will extend beyond smooth jazz radio airwave boundaries.

Track Listing: Reunion; Sunshower; Embers; Bandit; Porkchops; I Got it Bad (And That Ain

Personnel: Dave Valentin- C flute, alto flute on "Space Cadet" and "I Got It Bad," piccolo added for "Porkchops;" Bill O

Record Label: Concord Music Group
Style: Contemporary/Smooth