Vinny Valentino Jazz Band from New Milford, NJ

I have been playing professionally for over 40 years and enjoy every minute of performing and playing music for any and all audiences. I am currently touring with the legendary drummer Steve Smith (from Journey) as a member of his bands. I also have my own bands including: Vinny Valentino and Color Funk (6 - 10 piece world beat, jazz, soul ensemble), The Vinny Valentino trio, as well as duo and solo performances. I am primarily a jazz guitarist but I grew up playing and singing Rock and Roll. If your event calls for a variety of styles just let me know. I will be completely honest and make sure that you get what you are looking for. I also understand the importance of being flexible and cooperative before during and after an event. If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to contact me directly. All the best and I hope your event turns out to be everything you want it to be. Vinny Valentino Grammy nominated Guitarist, Composer Vinny Valentino continues to redefine musical genres, to the acclaim of audiences worldwide. From his debut recording The Distance Between Two Lines, to his latest 2016 recording Groove Blue Vinny continues to expand the confines of the guitar, composition and recording. His international debut recording, The Distance Between Two Lines, shot straight up the charts to #2 and stayed on the national charts for more than 14 weeks. Paul Anthony of Jazz Unlimited called it “one of the top five albums of 1993.” Vinny's 1996 international release, Now and Again, extended his critical acclaim. George Benson refers to Vinny as a “young genius with brilliant tone and fresh ideas.” Vintage Guitar Magazine writes “wonderful jazz player with killer chops, wonderful compositional skills…". “Valentino doesn't hide behind reconstituted Wes Montgomery licks like so many guitarists these days... crafty fingerings…. delectable originals." Ralph Mitchell of WFSK-FM raves, "My goodness. Talk about hot house jazz that CD is smoking!!” Versatile is an understatement when describing guitarist and composer, Vinny Valentino. Playing guitar since age six, this native Virginian began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing Jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. He single handily changed the way I listen to music and played guitar." Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Howard University. In 1988, he released his first solo recording entitled, Vinny Valentino, and now has twelve recordings to his credit. Endorsements include D'Angelico guitars, D'Addario strings, Vox Amps, Cakewalk Music Software, Zoom, Samson, ADK Microphones and TKL Cases. Vinny has shared the stage and studio with Steve Smith, Tom Coster, Russell Ferrante, Tom Scott, Gary Bartz, Victor Bailey, John Benitez, Peter Erskine, Dave Weckl, John Pattitucci, Randy Brecker, George Benson, Steve Gadd, Chick Corea, Dennis Chambers, Bill Evans and Jimmy McGriff.