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ABOUT STEFANI VALADEZ
The STEFANI VALADEZ ENSEMBLE (SVE) is a Los Angeles based group of multi-instrumentalists led by singer-songwriter Stefani Valadez on lead vocals, guitars and percussion. The SVE musicians play World Music infused with Ladino*, Turkish, Blues, Brazilian, R & B, American Folk, Jazz, and Middle Eastern rhythms. Stefani sings in 5 languages. Ms. Valadez’ repertoire is broad and her band’s multi-ethnic instrumentation creates a modern & ancient, danceable, eclectic and very accessible sound. Stefani has been performing for over 20 yrs. The core of this version of the SVE has been together for over 3 years. The band members include a wide range of soloists (including fretless bass, pennywhistles & Turkish saz). Composer NYOFU TYSON (and translator of Turkish Sufi Poems) on Turkish saz, and vocals; JAMIE PAPISH using all four limbs on Middle Eastern Drums: Dumbek ,Tombak, Riqq and numerous bells and whistles; Then, add flute & sax magician, RICHARD HARDY and the playfully incisive CHRISTO PELLANI'S rock steady pulses on African, Brazilian and World beat drums and toys. There have been a few bass players over the years (what else is new?) and are now fortunate to have 2 bass players (although not at the same time), OLIVA on upright and EVREN EDLER on fretless 6-string. Newest addition is LEO CHELYAPOV , composer and clarinetist, graduated from the Moscow College of Musical Arts and immigrated to California in 1992.He has recorded two CD's with Hollywood Klezmer and was interviewed for Yale Strom's published book on klezmer music. Leo's crossover endeavors into jazz music include concerts with jazz luminaries Buddy Collette, Herb Jeffries, Bobby Rodriguez as well as performances at the Playboy Jazz Festival with his Hollywood Klezmer Jazz Quintet. Their music is joyous, high energy, haunting, and passionate. One song may move you to a very deep place within yourself, and then in the next moment (song) you are tapping your feet clapping your hands and dancing. It is music that brings many cultures together, is spiritually uplifting, romantic and fun and is truly soul music. Their versatility creates a flow that wows audiences at every event. * Ladino is the language of Sephardic music. The music is a living evolving folk tradition from ancient (mostly Judeo-Spanish) cultures. It has drawn the music of many cultures around the Mediterranean into itself giving it new vitality, diversity and depth. The SVE carries on this rich multi-cultural tradition by incorporating the diverse musical styles of its members into a rich eclectic repertoire.
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