Gary Valente


Gary Valente is a jazz trombonist.

Early life

Valente was born on June 26, 1953, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He started playing the trombone as a young child, encouraged by his father, who played the same instrument. In the 1970s he studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Jaki Byard, and recorded with the conservatory's Jazz Repertory Orchestra.

Later life and career

Valente became a prominent figure in contemporary big band jazz, as a member of bands led by Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Chico O'Farrill, and George Russell. He has also played in a diverse range of smaller groups, including those led by Don Byron, Cab Calloway, Charlie Haden, Joe Lovano, and Andy Sheppard.
As a leader, he had a small band with tenor saxophonist Bob Hanlon in the late 1980s and co-founded Slideride with other trombonists in 1994. At the end of the 1990s he led a quintet that featured Lew Soloff.

Discography

With Carla BleySocial Studies Live! I Hate to Sing Heavy Heart Fleur Carnivore The Very Big Carla Bley Band Big Band Theory The Carla Bley Big Band Goes to Church 4x4 Looking for America Appearing Nightly
With Lester BowieThe Odyssey of Funk & Popular Music When the Spirit Returns
With George GruntzGlobal Excellence Tiger by the Tail Pourquoi Pas? Why Not?
With Joe LovanoWorlds Viva Caruso
With Nick MasonNick Mason's Fictitious Sports Unattended Luggage
With Arturo O'FarrillSong for Chico Final Night at Birdland
With Chico O'FarrillHeart of a Legend Carambola
With Ed SchullerLife Cycle The Eleventh Hour To Know Where One Is The Force
With Andy SheppardSoft on the Inside Rhythm Method Delivery Suite
With others