Dave Valentin enjoys a fine reputation as a composer, arranger, and band leader in addition to being the most celebrated Latin flutist today. He won a Grammy nomination in 1985 and in 2006 was a finalist in the Latin Grammy's Best Latin Jazz Album category for HighNote "World on a String." After studying with the great Hubert Laws, Valentin was the first artist to sign with the GRP label, respected for its talented pool of jazz artists. Valentin developed the unusual techniques that feature slapping the keys so it sounds like a percussion instrument and singing into the flute while playing, generating a totally unique sound and generating harmonies from a single flute. These techniques, and more, are all on display on PURE IMAGINATION. With his long-time friend and colleague, pianist Bill O'Connell, Dave works his magic on nine selections, highlighted by a rendition of "When Sunny Gets Blue" with Dave multi-tracking himself into a flute choir, featuring the rarely-seen bass flute.

DAVE VALENTIN, flutes • Bill O'Connell, piano • Ruben Rodriguez, bass • Robby Ameen, drums • Richie Flores, percussion

Tracks: Smile • Slip and Slide • Joy • Pure Imagination • Hummingbird • See-Saw • When Sunny Gets Blue • Cat Man • Last Minute

Smile

Slip and Slide

Hummingbird

When Sunny Gets Blue

Last Minute