0011001 Frederik Valentin

The Zurich-based Valentin Berlinsky Quartet, named in honour of the legendary founding cellist of the Borodin Quartet, debuts on Avie with the first in a series of recordings pairing the works of Beethoven and Shostakovich.

Aggressive and incendiary, yet also languid and sensitive, Dave Valentin's Live at the Blue Note not only demonstrates this artist's wide range, but the rich possibilities for the Latin jazz genre at large. Performing material from the pen of some of the great voices of his day, including Milton Nascimento's "Cinnamon and Clove" and Dave Grusin's "Marcosinho," Valentin brings a variety of both well- and lesser-known compositions to the table. All are treated with sensitive individuality, ranging in style from three-fourths samba to rhumba to funk, all performed expertly. This is thanks, no doubt, to the A-list players on the date, including premier Afro-Cuban drummer Robby Ameen, conga virtuoso Giovanni Hidalgo, the brilliant Lincoln Goines on bass, and Latin jazz staple Bill O'Connell on piano and keys.

Juan Pablo Torres is one of the best trombone players in the Latin-jazz community of the 1990s.This CD is compilation of tracks of well known latin flutist Dave Valentin and Juan Pablo Torres.Here you'll find both artists in excellent form.

What a perfectly titled release, as Valentin and Mann's camaraderie on their five duets here is all at once playful and poignant, with healthy doses of improvisation thrown in for good measure. Bill O'Connell's standout solo piano sparkles throughout the sweet grooves of "Jesse's Samba" and the rousing eight minute closer "Obsession," but it is Valentin's perky way with the airy textures of his instrument which powers this flavorful collection. "Old Hill" begins as an improv laden duet with O'Connell and shows that Valentin is equally comfortable on moodier lines. Also enjoyable is the brassy "Savanna," on which Mann and Valentin trade of sweet eight bar solos. Two Amigos should appeal to lovers of Latin music and jazz flute, as well as anyone in the mood for a refreshing departure from the same old pop-jazz.

Primitive Passions is an auspicious venture for the flautist. Dave Valentin's playing, like that of longtime colleagues Bill O'connell, Lincoln Gaines, Robbie Ameen and Milton Cardona, seems more sharply focused and energized than ever. The album abounds with the stylistic diversity and genre-defying performances that could only come naturally from an artist with Valentin's unique background. Primitive Passions explores all of the most entrancing corners of Dave Valentin's musical world. This albums sets a new standard for the flutist and his talented associates. It's exhilarating and soothing; provacative and reassuring.

Dave Valentin, who has recorded over 15 albums for GRP, combines together the influence of pop, R&B, and Brazilian music with Latin jazz to create a slick and accessible form of crossover jazz.He was born of Puerto Rican parents in 1952 in New York City.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.

The most unusual aspect of this release from flutist Dave Valentin is that he performs the two swing standards "I've Got the World on a String" and "I Remember You." The style of music Valentin plays is unchanged from his other CDs, being lightly funky, utilizing Latin rhythms, and having his flute on top much of the time. Baritonist Ronnie Cuber guests on "Passion Fruit," but otherwise Valentin is just joined by a large rhythm section with his usual pianist Bill O'Connell. He plays as fluently as usual and, although there are no other surprises, the music is pleasing, danceable, and reasonably creative. By Scott Yanow, All Music Guide