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.