Sonya Vallet and Los Prófugos Galácticos
The best kept secret in town…that's what friends call her. When Baltimore native Sonya Vallet improvises in any style people wonder who she gets if from. The cross-cultured quadrilingual eldest of a musical family, she debuted at 16 in her father's quartet opening for jazz master Oscar Peterson as the only woman at the 1st Jazz Festival of Madrid. It was followed by an offer to teach vocals at The Taller de Músicos at 19 and an honorable letter of recommendation from The Spanish Ministry of Culture at 22.
Decades of experience show when you hear her speak. She worked and studied with the likes of gospel legend Donna Hightower, Brazilian genius Fernando Girão, Japanese diva Monday Michiru, world beat virtuoso Danny Heines, and jazz bass masters Ron Carter and Jimmy Haslip. Sonya is a tireless student: Music Certificate from Naropa Institute, Music Major credits from The City College of New York, and continued studies in Business Management at The University of Maryland. She translates for The Office of Veterans Affairs and interprets for The Department of Labor on the side.
Sonya has mused with her original poems and compositions to sculpt a unique repertoire for Los Prófugos Galácticos, her new collaboration with pianist Erik Deutsch. Featuring Bill Kopper on guitar, the ensemble explores world beat jazz with pop and electronic undertones (think Bebel Gilberto meets Portishead and Joni Mitchell.) The group has begun work on their first record and continues to impress audiences that experience the live show.
"My main drive comes from vocal improvisation, but I dabble on piano, percussion, guitar, paint or draw in phases, and I still want to dance!" she says. She won the Vincent Herbert Award by envisioning a school of arts "for all ages and levels of talent". Convinced it will take a few scientists to fully discover the true medicine of sound, ("Ellington said it was God's language!") this playful professional knows music is the best healing for everyone. Her joy for music will touch your soul. She's the best kept secret in town.
Sonya Vallet and Profugos Galacticos's Friend Space (Top 8)
Sonya Vallet and Profugos Galacticos has 37 friends.
Just in from Denver Airport, and glad to see the old buddies for another studio session at NFA (Notably Fine Audio). Colin, Mario, you guys had a hand-ful of things to do, and I can only say I am sooooooooo happy we had time together. Four days straight for Mario, and Colin, I know, you were keeping the fort going (hi Richard!)
Saw Erik for a bit on his way back from picking up his lady at the airport (Hi Beautiful!), to run a few tunes by his genius ears. Raoul came by to check on the status of a few things, and Bill and I worked on a tune, well on a few tunes, which ended up bringing about a little funny diddle that may well go on the CD - you never know, do ya?!
Did manage to have John over for a sax track, can't believe that didn't figure in sooner, but apparently, I get so boggled over nothings very often, so thank you for hoping on board at last notice man! Love to Lucy*
Darn, which reminds me John Gray didn't make it on any cuts, and yet I ended up staying over at his place, Dario, thanks for taking such good care of me ;) Then again, maybe the subconscious part of that is a long-time wish to do Miles' "Summer Night" with my lyrics, which I most certainly have been handing your way for years now Johnny baby! By the way, he new tune you showed me is a sure hit. I loved it. I cried. I listened some more... Just please record it, and I'll take tabs on the first stab of re-singing it, because it needs a papa, and I can always pretend I understand everything it means... A true gem. Keep me posted.
And that's about it folks, back to the day job, and the house renovatin', and the kitty poo, and all those things that make life, well, bareable ;)
Hey little sister. Checking out your music today and having a blast with the sounds. Let me know when you are heading back to studios. I would like to be in on some of these songs. Mike
Hey you two!!... Let me introduce you: Michael, this is William, Bill, this is Da Hump. I would have never dreamed of my track coach meeting up with my guitarrist (!), and yet, I am sure my guitarrist would have fun with my trumpeteer! ;)
Also, how on earth do you post this to the rest of our friends? It look like you have to go one by one by one by one...
