Biography
Quick Highlights:
* Ken is currently in pre-producton for 3 new
records which will be available in the very
near future with monster tours supporting the
new releases
* Thirsty Ear Festival 2008 featured performer
* Bellevue Riverfest 2008 featured performer
* Lincoln, NE legendary Zoo Bar 35th Anniversary
featured performer
* Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2007
featured performer
* Sturgis Black Hills Motorcycle Rally 2007 featured
performer.
* Thirsty Ear Festival 2006 featured performer
* Sturgis Bike Week - Rockin' The Rally featured
performer
* Thirsty Ear Festival 2005 featured performer
* July 2005 - Named "Best Man Rock" band in Tempo / Taos News
*Telluride Blues & Brews Festival 2005 featured performer
*2005 Taos Solar Music Festival featured performer
*Dec. 31, 2004 Star Tribune / Twin City Blues News (Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN) Critics Choice pick for one of the best albums of the year.
*Telluride Blues & Brews Festival 2004 featured performer
*September 2003 Cover Story Nite Times Magazine
*Thirsty Ear Festival 2000/2001/2003 featured performer
*September 2002 1st place - Voted best “Young Gun” guitarist/musician on Dirtyblues.com
*2001 New Mexico Music Industry Coalition Awards - Nominated 8 times in 6 categories including Album Of The Year
*Winner - Best Musical Production/R&B/Soul “Talk To Me” 2001 NMMIC Awards
*Winner - Best Musical Production/Mainstream Rock “Room To Move” 2001 NMMIC Awards
Biography taken from www.kenvaldez.com
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 (featuring Michael Kott). 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, Steve Miller Band, Cheap Trick, Nickleback, Live, Patty Griffin, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Greg Brown, Marc Broussard, Gin Blossoms, Greg Rolie (Journey & Santana), Wolfmother, Jonny Lang, The Black Crowes, Junior Brown, Robert Cray, Rickie Lee Jones, The Neville Brothers, Sonny Landreth, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Michelle Shocked, Al Green, Corey Harris, Edgar Winter, Marshall Crenshaw, Lennon, Joan Osborne, The Samples, Rick Springfield, Little River Band, Dr. John, Shemekia Copeland, BB King, Spin Doctors, Jeff Healey Band, Double Trouble, Shannon Curfman, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Nazareth, Soul Asylum, Tab Benoit, Chris Duarte Group, Corey Stevens, Indigenous, Coco Montoya, Eric Sardinas & Ian Moore.
***** Ken Valdez is endorsed by:
Bonepicker Amplifiers (Featuring the signature Ken Valdez amplifier 'The KV Special 30'), Curtis Novak Guitars & Pickups (Featuring Ken Valdez signature guitars), Keeley Electronics Guitar Effects, Maxon Guitar Effects
Instrumentation
Ken Valdez - Guitars, Lead Vocals
Josh English - Drums, Vocals
Tucker Jensen - Bass, Vocals
Brant Leeper - Keys, Vocals
Discography
Approach - 2000
Every Little Lie - 2004
Thoughts & Time - 2006
Links
| http://www.kenvaldez.com |