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Dave Valentin: Sunshower

By Jim Santella
November 1, 1999
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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.

Personnel

Dave Valentin

flute

Album information

Title: Sunshower | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Milestone Records

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