About Me
Born in the small province of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Valdes graduated in 1995 as Instrumentalist and Percussion Professor from the National School of Music in La Habana, Cuba. He spent the next few years teaching drum set and percussion at the school while performing regularly at important jazz clubs and International music events in Cuba. His unique style and phenomenal talent earned Valdes a scholarship to study jazz in 1999 at the University of North Texas in Denton under the instruction of legendary jazz drummer/professor, Ed Soph.In his young career to date, Raul Valdes has already made a significant impression in the music industry, having performed at various events with world-renowned musicians such as Roy Hargrove and Greg Bissonette. Valdes played drum set regularly in Cuba with the band Grupo Perspectiva (former band of legendary trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval,) as well as with members of the Grammy-winning jazz band, Irakere (Chucho Valdes’ band.) In addition, Raul played drums and recorded with 2001 Grammy-nominated pianist, Andres Alen. After moving to the United States in 1999, Raul toured with Denton rock band, Riddle Me This for one year while living in Denton. He has instructed several drum workshops and clinics at music stores and universities throughout the U.S. Valdes played percussion in the very popular salsa band, Havana NRG! for two years, and he parted ways with the band in November of 2003. Raul has performed with various local groups/musicians, including jazz harpist Carlos Guedes, top 40 bands TOP, Big Daddy, and The Factory, and also performs regularly with his own jazz quartet. Raul has most recently been performing clinics showcasing the release of his new book, Melodic Drumming, which is an instructional book of exercises for advanced drummers.In every project and venture, Raul Valdes gives his own unique flavor and charisma, and he continues to impress and mesmerize fans and musicians alike.
