Artist description A collective exploration of harmonic, melodic, rhythmic, tonal, atonal and emotional possibilities via the quartet's interactive interpretation of loosely structured but boundary-free tunes.

Music Style free jazz / acid jazz / fusion / trip hop

Musical Influences Gary Thomas, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, John Carter, Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Eddie Harris, Billy Harper, James Newton

Similar Artists Gary Thomas, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, John Carter, Steve Coleman, Greg Osby, Eddie Harris, Billy Harper, James Newton

Artist History Michael Valdez is a saxophonist who was born in New Mexico, raised in California and now resides in NYC. Mr. Valdez has performed with such artists as Roy Campbell, Vincent Chancey, William Connell, Isaac Ben Alaya, Emilio Cruz, Patricia Cruz Stoessel, Jorge Sylvester, Melvin Vines, Radu Williams and Elsie Woods. Mr. Valdez studied at El Camino College in Redondo Beach, CA and studied privately with Victor Morosco at the Julliard School in NYC. Other private instructors include Dr. Thomas Ownes in L.A., Red Callender (bassist), John Carter (clarinetist) and James Newton (flautist).Valdez has performed at various L.A. venues such as Gorky's, Nucleus Nuance, State College Circuit, Baked Potato, Billy Higgins' World Stage and Neils Cline's Alligator Lounge. Recent NYC performances include the Jamaican Arts Center, the Knitting Factory, Mo' Better and the New Amsterdam Cafe. Other travels have included France-Duk de Lombard, Paris, France.In 1998, Valdez hired 3 of NYC's busiest session aces (incl. drummer David Penna) to rehearse and record demo of his compositions. Soon after its release, a permanent band lineup was formed (including Penna, guitarist Tony Romano and bassist Ralph Willis). The band has been gigging steadily in NYC and has just released their debut double CD "Mosi" (Mosimu Music, distributed by North Country, available via mail order as well as at all Tower, HMV, Virgin & Borders stores).Valdez' goal is to extend the possibilities of collective improvisation without limits or excuses! His philosophy, simply stated, is "One's own way is the apex of life."

Group Members Valdez (a.k.a. Mosi) - saxTony Romano - guitarRalph Willis - bassDavid Penna - drums

Instruments sax, guitar, bass, drums

Albums Dark Matter, Mosi

Press Reviews Cadence Magazine - June 2000 (Vol. 26, #6)

Location New York, NY - USA

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