Vinny Valentino

American Guitarist Composer Vinny Valentino continues to redefine musical genres, to the acclaim of audiences worldwide. His international debut recording, The Distance Between Two Lines, shot straight up the charts to #2 and stayed on the national charts for more than 14 weeks—an unprecedented achievement for a first international release. Paul Anthony of Jazz Unlimited called it “one of the top five albums of 1993.” Vinny’s 1996 international release, Now and Again, extended his critical acclaim. George Benson refers to Vinny as a “young genius with brilliant tone and fresh ideas.” Vintage Guitar Magazine writes “wonderful jazz player with killer chops, wonderful compositional skills…”(March 1997). “Valentino doesn’t hide behind reconstituted Wes Montgomery licks like so many guitarists these days… crafty fingerings…. delectable originals” (Gavin Jazz, May 10.1996). Ralph Mitchell of WFSK-FM raves, “My goodness. Talk about hot house jazz that CD is smoking!!” Since 2006 Vinny has been the guitarist for the long-standing fusion group, Vital Information, which boasts legendary drummer Steve Smith as its founder and leader. This all-star band includes Baron Browne on bass (the “Double B” guy on the CD) and Tom Coster on keyboards. You might remember Tom as the long-time keyboard player and musical director for Santana. Baron has played with many greats: Jean-Luc Ponty, Billy Cobham, Mike Mainieri, and Gary Burton. In 2012 Vital Information put out a live CD entitled “One Great Night,” that shows off Vinny’s compositional skills as well as a player. Versatile is an understatement when describing guitarist and composer, Vinny Valentino. Playing guitar since age six, this native Virginian began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing Jazz as a career. He recalls, “The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. It was an eye-opening experience.” Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at HowardUniversity. He began his musical studies at NorthernVirginiaCommunity College and continued them at GeorgeMasonUniversity before concentrating on jazz at Howard. In 1988, he released his first solo recording entitled, Vinny Valentino, and now has twelve recordings to his credit.