Dave Valentin - Red Sun (1993)

This was flutist Dave Valetin's 15th release for GRP and, as with his previous ones, it features impeccable musicianship, subtle funk grooves, some heated Latin rhythms and rather lightweight melodies. Despite some passionate moments, the music always sounds a bit controlled, never exceeding prescribed time limits or emotional boundaries. There are some strong moments of interest on this relatively pleasing CD, particularly a restrained melodic statement by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval on "We'll Be Together Again" and a groovin' version of "With a Little Help from My Friends." ~ by Scott Yanow, AMG. 

GRP Records, GRD-9699, 1993
Recorded at Sound On Sound Studios, New York City 

Musicians:
Dave Valentin - Flute (#1-4,6,9) Flutes (#5,7,8), Arranger (#8,9)
Arturo Sandoval - Flugelhorn (#4)
Steve Turre - Trombone, Shells (#8)
Bill O'Connell - Piano, Synthesizer (#1,2,5,6,8,9), Arranger (#1-5,7,8,9)
Bernd Schoenhart - Guitar (#1)
Lincoln Goines - Bass (#1,2,6-9), Acoustic Bass (#4), Arranger (#6)
Dave Samuels - Vibraphone (#3)
Richie Morales - Drums (#2,3,4,6,7), Cymbals
Robert Ameen - Drums (#1,5,8), Percussion [Cymbals, Stick]
Milton Cardona - Percussion, Congas (#1), Cowbell (#1), Shekere/Cajon (#5)
Sammy Figueroa - Percussion (#2,3,5,7,8), Congas (#7)
Jon Lucien - Vocals (#2)
Steve Shapiro - Synthesizer Programming

Tracks:
1. With A Little Help From My Friends {John Lennon, Paul McCartney} (5:20)
2. Red Sun {Bill O'Connell} (5:11)
3. Two Steps Ahead {Bill O'Connell} (3:46)
4. We'll Be Together Again {Carl Fischer, Frankie Laine} (5:17)
5. Beyond The Ridge {Bill O'Connell} (4:33)
6. Lia's Song {Lincoln Goines} (4:29)
7. Loco Motion {Bill O'Connell} (5:04)
8. Little Sunflower {Freddie Hubbard} (6:23)
9. Pensativa {Clare Fischer} (4:15) 

Total Time: 44:28 

Credits:
Producer - Dave Valentin
Producer, Recording, Mixing - Josiah Gluck
Executive-Producer - Dave Grusin, Larry Rosen
Mastering Engineer - Ted Jensen
Assistant Engineer - Devin Emke, Fred Kevorkian, John Siket, Peter Beckerman
Photography - Carol Weinberg
Art Direction - Scott Johnson
Graphic Design - Dan Serrano, Jackie Salway, Alba Acevedo 

Two Steps Ahead

Andy LaVerne, Dave Samuels - Fountainhead (1989)

Andy LaVerne has developed into a top-notch pianist, particularly during his tenure on Steeplechase. This duo date with Dave Samuels, who switches between vibes and marimba on this date, has the energy of Chick Corea's duets with Gary Burton. The innovative descending vamp that resonates repeatedly in "All the Things You Are" and hard-swinging rendition of "How Deep Is the Ocean" help these familiar standards seem like new. LaVerne and Samuels each brought four originals to the session: the pianist's lively "ATB" and the mysterious title track stand out, while Samuels' compositions aren't quite as memorable. ~ Ken Dryden, AMG. 

SteepleChase Records, SCCD 31261, 1990
Recorded 28th June, 1989 

Musicians:
Andy LaVerne - Piano
Dave Samuels - Vibraphone, Marimba 

Tracks:
01. All The Things You Are {Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II} (6:01)
02. Severe Clear {Andy LaVerne} (7:56)
03. ATB {Andy LaVerne} (4:40)
04. Come To Me {Andy LaVerne} (4:41)
05. My Asian Land {Dave Samuels} (5:08)
06. ECB {Dave Samuels} (4:53)
07. Fountainhead {Andy LaVerne} (3:51)
08. Round Corners {Dave Samuels} (7:12)
09. Summernight {Harry Warren, Al Dubin} (6:53)
10. Waiting For You {Dave Samuels} (3:15)
11. How Deep Is The Ocean? {Irving Berlin} (4:55) 

Total Time: 59:25

Credits:
Producer, Photo - Nils Winther
Recording Engineer - Jim Anderson