Frank Valdez
This is it! My time, my life, my music. I have played in every sort of venue and situation you could imagine as a musician. From concerts in Europe, South America, and the U.S. to studio work in Panama and here in the ATL. Playing lead alto in a big band to drums with the Braves to misc. instruments in Kevin Wyglad's Christian band to leading U.S. Beat (the Southeast's Premiere Party band). I hope to make 2005 the year of ME. I want to get my music out there and hope that once you hear it you too will help me get it out.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
After 20 years in the military as an Army Bandsman, I am now out on my own as an Independent Contractor. Over the last 10 years I have worked with several bands in the Atlanta area. Rupert's Orchestra, U.S. Beat, Atlanta Beat, Limelight, Legacy, Brave's band, Kevin Wyglad's ministry, and a variety of duos, trios, and quartets. Hardly ever recorded, I am going to begin "documenting" my music for my family and you since I live away from the rest of the world. I hope that this will help to keep me focused on getting this project underway. Please send feedback to keep me to task. Peace and happiness to all who see this site and experience the sounds of my life.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play live but mostly in private functions. Playing the SEC pregame party, Nokia Bowl pregame party, and national conventions from Boston to San Diego to Miami to Las Vegas - Ceasar's Palace.
My favorite special moment is when the client comes up after the gig and says, "You are the BEST band (or saxophonist) I've ever heard live.".
Your musical influences
I believe that I am influenced by smooth jazz artists like: Kenny G, Dave Koz, David Sanborn, Tom Scott, Grover Washington, Lenny Pickett, Quincy Jones, and others who play a variety of other instruments. Drummers, Keyboardist, Bassist, and Guitarist who rock, swing, or jam hard enough to make you move sitting, standing or laying down.
What equipment do you use?
I use Yamaha saxes and keys, flute, clarinet, congas, drums, and lastly Behringer amps.
Anything else?
I wish that those who are lucky enough to make a living playing realize that they are really blessed. First to have been given the talent to play well enough to make a living at it and second to be able to share of themselve with others in a way that could be a memory for the rest of their lives.
Play your best, enjoy the audience as much as they do you, and when you're not playing, rest in a peaceful place you can call your own.
