FROM: HTTP://JAZZ.COM - "D'Rivera is as generous and prescient as he is talented, and he gave the stage to two young musicians, flutist José Valentino and pianist Tony Madruga, who performed D’Rivera’s “Fiddle Dreams,” commissioned by Library of Congress and originally played by Regina Carter. They played with tremendous authority and sophistication for musicians of their age. The many moods and tempo shifts of this fairly abstract piece, with both scored and improvised sections for both instruments, exploits both the percussive and lyrical capabilities of the flute, over a rolling, sometimes roiling, piano accompaniment. By turns jaunty and blues-tinged, these progressions pushed the musicians hard, especially as they traded fours: José Valentino's vigorous lines were each played to the last breath, like a man who has a point to make before he is finished having his say.

Jose Valentino was named COLLEGE SOLOIST WINNER of the prestigious DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE student awards in two categories: Classical (flute) and Blues/Pop/Rock (flute, saxophone, EWI, bass). Congratulations, Jose! We are very proud of you for being a great musician but most of all a great person. You get all the credit but God gets all the glory! Great job!...Your family.

September 6, 2008 was an event like no other that stormed the Tampa Bay/St.Pete area! I was in complete shock as well as my family, friends, and sponsors. The amount of people that showed up to my CD release party "All About You" was truly unreal! For the first time in history, The Venue Club was overloaded with so many fans trying to get in to live and see what everyone was talking about. There was even a mile long traffic jam created by fans trying to park so they could see the show! I have to say this was a humbling experience, for I knew at that very moment the seriousness of how many people I would influence that night. All I could do is pray, play, and praise my God for blessing me with this wonderful opportunity to impact and shake the lives of people in search for their identity, purpose, and role in life. I can't go on without thanking The Rehnke's (an extraordinary family with a compassionate heart on a mission to spread love in all places).

This is my first blog entry for my new website which I am very excited about. I would first like to thank Nicole for helping me out with this website; You are wonderful! Here in this site you will be able to communicate with me about any questions concerning music, practicing tips, concerts, etc. Please refrain from using profanity. If any blog contains profanity or negative comments, they will be deleted. I want to make this website as interactive as possible. I believe people today should have the right to get to know the artist more personally. Thanks to the internet, it is possible to do so! I'm looking foward to sharing with you all my views in music and updates on what's been happening with my musical journey! Thank you all so much! To my fans, thank you for your constant support for my music and performances. You make it possible!

Be blessed,

Jose

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! You are the unfailing love that pulls me through times when all seems impossible! My life is yours forever. To Papi, many people say they are my biggest fan but I say: I am your biggest fan. To Mami, thank you for comforting me in the hardest times. My sis Christina, it is great to see you blossom into an amazing woman. To Abuela and Titi Mila, thank you for all your prayers and support. I could not have done it without you. To all my aunts, uncles and cousins: you guys are simply the best. To Mrs. McCormick, thank you for your wisdom and support. Thank you for teaching me the flute. To Valerie Gillespie, thanks for teaching me the saxophone. To Dr. Hayden and Dr. Carmichael, thank you for caring for the students. To the Molly Brown Foundation, thanks for your continued support towards my education. To Danny, Gerson and Wadi, thanks for making me laugh so much and being so faithful! To Dr.Cosme and Dr.Rehnke: Thanks for believing in me!