Dave Valentin Red Sun

Rare & Hard-To-Find Audio CDs (series)

Personnel: Dave Valentin (flute); Jon Lucien (vocals); Arturo Sandoval (flugelhorn); Steve Turre (trombone, sea shells); Bill O'Connell (piano, synthesizers); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Lincoln Goines (acoustic & electric bass); Robby Ameen, Richie Morales (drums); Milton Cardona, Sammy Figueroa (percussion); Steve Shapiro (programming).

Recorded at Sound On Sound Studios, Sear Sound and Hip Pocket Studios, New York, New York.

Personnel: Dave Valentin (flute); Jon Lucien (vocals); Bernd Schoenhart (guitar); Arturo Sandoval (flugelhorn); Steve Turre (trombone); Bill O'Connell (piano, synthesizer); Dave Samuels (vibraphone); Lincoln Goines (acoustic bass); Robby Ameen (drums, cymbals, percussion); Richie Morales (drums, cymbals); Milton Cardona (congas, cowbells, percussion); Sammy Figueroa (percussion); Steve Shapiro (programming).

Audio Mixer: Josiah Gluck.

Unknown Contributor Role: Peter Lewis .

Arrangers: Dave Valentin; Lincoln Goines; Bill O'Connell .

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." ~ Scott Yanow