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Gary Valente

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gary Valente (born June 26, 1953) is a jazz trombonist.

Early life

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Valente was born on June 26, 1953, in Worcester, Massachusetts.[1] He started playing the trombone as a young child, encouraged by his father, who played the same instrument.[1] In the 1970s he studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Jaki Byard, and recorded with the conservatory's Jazz Repertory Orchestra.[1]

Later life and career

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Valente became a prominent figure in contemporary big band jazz, as a member of bands led by Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Chico O'Farrill, and George Russell.[1] He has also played in a diverse range of smaller groups, including those led by Don Byron, Cab Calloway, Charlie Haden, Joe Lovano, and Andy Sheppard.[1]

As a leader, he had a small band with tenor saxophonist Bob Hanlon in the late 1980s and co-founded Slideride with other trombonists in 1994.[1] At the end of the 1990s he led a quintet that featured Lew Soloff.[1]

Discography

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With Carla Bley

With Lester Bowie

With George Gruntz

  • Global Excellence (TCB, 2001)
  • Tiger by the Tail (TCB, 2006)
  • Pourquoi Pas? Why Not? (TCB, 2008)

With Joe Lovano

With Nick Mason

With Arturo O'Farrill

  • Song for Chico (Zoho, 2008)
  • Final Night at Birdland (Zoho, 2013)

With Chico O'Farrill

  • Heart of a Legend (Milestone, 1999)
  • Carambola (Milestone, 2000)

With Ed Schuller

  • Life Cycle (GM, 1982)
  • The Eleventh Hour (Tutu, 1992)
  • To Know Where One Is (Power Bros 1994)
  • The Force (Tutu, 1996)

With Andy Sheppard

  • Soft on the Inside (Antilles, 1990)
  • Rhythm Method (Blue Note, 1993)
  • Delivery Suite (Blue Note, 1994)

With others

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Artist Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 11, 2020.