Ken Valdez - Guitars, Lead Vocals
Josh English - Drums/Percussion
Tucker Jensen - Bass
Influences
Wayne Perkins, Key Frances, Journey, King's X, Prince, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Jeff Healey, Marshall Crenshaw, Flickerstick, Santana, SRV, Bob Marley, Mana, Stevie Wonder, The Replacements, Cheap Trick, Howlin' Wolf, Sara K., Grady, Chris Cornell, T- Model Ford, RHCP, BB King, Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, Juanes, Leonard Cohen, The Isley Bros., Jim Almand, STP, Sly & The Family Stone, Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson, Paul Westerberg, Pete Yorn, Velvet Revolver, Martin Sexton, Ian Moore & Chris Duarte
Ken Valdez has been called “The Best Kept Secret” by many well known and respected names in the industry. This guitarist/singer/songwriter is grateful for the title, however, it is one he wishes to break free from.
Valdez, who was born and raised in the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico is the son of a working class Latino family. His love for music was apparent early on and it ultimately became his calling. In his own words, “…music was my first love and the only thing consistent in my life. It has been with me from the day I was born and will stay with me until the day I die. Music is who I am. It is my everything.” So, at the age of 19, with guitar in hand, he took an overflowing tank full of talent, passion and determination and set off on his own musical journey. He has never looked back.
Valdez’s debut album -Approach- caught the attention of legendary Muscle Shoals guitarist Wayne Perkins and Jon Langseth, Jonny Lang’s father. The pair convinced Valdez to move to Minneapolis, Minnesota where they created his second album Every Little Lie. It was Valdez’s first major effort at working with some of the big names in the industry including Jonny Lang, David Grissom, Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Estaire Godinez, Jamie Kyle, Kevin Bowe, Ricky Peterson and the infamous Peterson family. The album met rave reviews and received critical acclaim.
After his stint in the Midwest, Valdez came back to his native Santa Fe. Upon his return, he was met with an invitation to play lead guitar with Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood in his new solo project. The following year, Ken Valdez released the all acoustic album Thoughts & Time. Joining him on the album was Michael Kott, who is known as one of the world’s most beloved cello players. Thoughts & Time is the most ambitious and personal album Valdez has made to date. Many of the songs on Thoughts & Time are reflections on living which most anyone can relate. Topics of love, life, death and loss stir many emotions.
Currently, Ken Valdez is working on new songs and projects. He continues to tear up stages nationwide (soon to be worldwide) with both his electric band and his acoustic ensemble. He has also taken the reins of his musical vision. His collaborations with the likes of successful, multi-platinum selling, even Grammy winning songwriters, musicians and producers have brought about a truly unique sound yet is unmistakably and undeniably Ken Valdez. Searching his soul and influences, Valdez’s new work is raw, fresh and sharp. It’s not like his previous works, but it’s not like anything else either. Valdez has a rare blend of raw talent, sensitivity, and down-to-earth grittiness that gives his music a wide appeal. His vision, talent and drive have pushed the envelope on creativity and has truly developed another side to his already unique sound. The songs are real, the shows are riveting and Ken Valdez remains to be a must see, must hear experience. This “Best Kept Secret” won’t be a secret for long.
***** Ken Valdez has shared the stage with:
Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes, Cheap Trick, Live, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Gin Blossoms, Steve Miller Band, Wolfmother, Nickelback, Greg Rolie (Journey & Santana), Big & Rich, Patty Griffin, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Greg Brown, Marc Broussard, Jonny Lang, Junior Brown, Michael Franti & Spearhead, James McMurtry, Al Green, Joan Osborne, Maceo Parker, Robert Cray, Mofro, Michelle Shocked, Sonny Landreth, The Neville Brothers, Corey Harris, Edgar Winter, Marshall Crenshaw, The Samples, Rick Springfield, Little River Band, Dr. John, Shemekia Copeland, BB King, Spin Doctors, Jeff Healey Band, Double Trouble, Shannon Curfman, Eric Sardinas, Magic Slim, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Nazareth, Chris Duarte Group, Coco Montoya, Corey Stevens, Indigenous, Patrice Pike & Ian Moore.
***** Ken Valdez is endorsed by:
Bonepicker Amplifiers & Effects (Featuring 2 Ken Valdez Signature Amplifiers and the Ken Valdez signature Crazy Horse OD/Compressor dual pedal), Curtis Novak Guitars & Pickups (Featuring two Ken Valdez Signature Guitars), Maxon Guitar Effects & Keeley Electronics Guitar Effects
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Hey ken, i dont know if josh told you or not but im throwing a party on the 16th and having bands come down and play. 8600 lucerne blvd lakeville. 730 till morning. bring your friends. we will be having fire dancers, drum circles, jam sessions and bands playing all night long. hope you can make it. peace, love , music
Ah ha, I knew your were coming home soon. This time dont call me at 5 and ask me to come out the night before youre leaving, and........we miss ya, we ALL miss ya. Love, June.
Hey Ken, Stopped by to say hello and see what is up! We met at Bayside Grille. You were playing on the cruise boat and I was playing on the deck. Best of luck to you!
Making my way around to thank you for your great music.. We as fans are proud to have you as our friend. Thanks again for being mine. R-n-R Keep it Loud
You want to work and so do we. If you want us to book your band in New England, you need topay the registration fee. Go here for more information: http://northamptoncommunity.ning.com
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