Ken Valdez profile picture

Ken Valdez

About Me

Ken Valdez has been called “The Best Kept Secret” by many well known and respected names in the industry. This guitarist/singer/songwriter is grateful for the title, however, it is one he wishes to break free from.Valdez, who was born and raised in the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico is the son of a working class Latino family. His love for music was apparent early on and it ultimately became his calling. In his own words, “…music was my first love and the only thing consistent in my life. It has been with me from the day I was born and will stay with me until the day I die. Music is who I am. It is my everything.” So, at the age of 19, with guitar in hand, he took an overflowing tank full of talent, passion and determination and set off on his own musical journey. He has never looked back.Valdez’s debut album -Approach- caught the attention of legendary Muscle Shoals guitarist Wayne Perkins and Jon Langseth, Jonny Lang’s father. The pair convinced Valdez to move to Minneapolis, Minnesota where they created his second album Every Little Lie. It was Valdez’s first major effort at working with some of the big names in the industry including Jonny Lang, David Grissom, Michael Bland, Sonny Thompson, Estaire Godinez, Jamie Kyle, Kevin Bowe, Ricky Peterson and the infamous Peterson family. The album met rave reviews and received critical acclaim.After his stint in the Midwest, Valdez came back to his native Santa Fe. Upon his return, he was met with an invitation to play lead guitar with Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood in his new solo project. The following year, Ken Valdez released the all acoustic album Thoughts & Time. Joining him on the album was Michael Kott, who is known as one of the world’s most beloved cello players. Thoughts & Time is the most ambitious and personal album Valdez has made to date. Many of the songs on Thoughts & Time are reflections on living which most anyone can relate. Topics of love, life, death and loss stir many emotions.Currently, Ken Valdez is working on new songs and projects. He continues to tear up stages nationwide (soon to be worldwide) with both his electric band and his acoustic ensemble. He has also taken the reins of his musical vision. His collaborations with the likes of successful, multi-platinum selling, even Grammy winning songwriters, musicians and producers have brought about a truly unique sound yet is unmistakably and undeniably Ken Valdez. Searching his soul and influences, Valdez’s new work is raw, fresh and sharp. It’s not like his previous works, but it’s not like anything else either. Valdez has a rare blend of raw talent, sensitivity, and down-to-earth grittiness that gives his music a wide appeal. His vision, talent and drive have pushed the envelope on creativity and has truly developed another side to his already unique sound. The songs are real, the shows are riveting and Ken Valdez remains to be a must see, must hear experience. This “Best Kept Secret” won’t be a secret for long.***** Ken Valdez has shared the stage with:Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes, Cheap Trick, Live, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Gin Blossoms, Steve Miller Band, Wolfmother, Nickelback, Greg Rolie (Journey & Santana), Big & Rich, Patty Griffin, Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men, Greg Brown, Marc Broussard, Jonny Lang, Junior Brown, Michael Franti & Spearhead, James McMurtry, Al Green, Joan Osborne, Maceo Parker, Robert Cray, Mofro, Michelle Shocked, Sonny Landreth, The Neville Brothers, Corey Harris, Edgar Winter, Marshall Crenshaw, The Samples, Rick Springfield, Little River Band, Dr. John, Shemekia Copeland, BB King, Spin Doctors, Jeff Healey Band, Double Trouble, Shannon Curfman, Eric Sardinas, Magic Slim, Stephen Pearcy (Ratt), Nazareth, Chris Duarte Group, Coco Montoya, Corey Stevens, Indigenous, Patrice Pike & Ian Moore.***** Ken Valdez is endorsed by:Bonepicker Amplifiers & Effects (Featuring 2 Ken Valdez Signature Amplifiers and the Ken Valdez signature Crazy Horse OD/Compressor dual pedal), Curtis Novak Guitars & Pickups (Featuring two Ken Valdez Signature Guitars), Maxon Guitar Effects & Keeley Electronics Guitar Effects

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Member Since: 07/07/2005
Band Website: www.kenvaldez.com
Band Members: Ken Valdez - Guitars, Lead VocalsJosh English - Drums/PercussionTucker Jensen - Bass
Influences: Wayne Perkins, Key Frances, Journey, King's X, Prince, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Jeff Healey, Marshall Crenshaw, Flickerstick, Santana, SRV, Bob Marley, Mana, Stevie Wonder, The Replacements, Cheap Trick, Howlin' Wolf, Sara K., Grady, Chris Cornell, T- Model Ford, RHCP, BB King, Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, Juanes, Leonard Cohen, The Isley Bros., Jim Almand, STP, Sly & The Family Stone, Roy Orbison, Rick Nelson, Paul Westerberg, Pete Yorn, Velvet Revolver, Martin Sexton, Ian Moore & Chris Duarte
Sounds Like: Rock with soul, blues and latin influence!
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

ALIVE!

Hey everybody!  Just wanted to check in and give you some updates.  The fellas and I have been insanely busy.  We have been playing a lot around the Minneapolis area working out some new material.  Mu...
Posted by on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 02:38:00 GMT

Onwards & Upwards

Hello everyone!  I just wanted to give you a quick update and send some heavy gratitude your way.  First off, I thank all of you who sent so much love and support for my mother.  I am happy to say she...
Posted by on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:12:00 GMT

More Thoughts & Prayers

If you read my last blog, you know where this is going. I figured I would give you an update and come to you again and ask for your thoughts and prayers. My mother and family are very much in need of ...
Posted by on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:29:00 GMT

Thanxgiving Message

HAPPY THANXGIVING!This has been a year where the word "change" was inescapable. From every day life, world events, to a presidential election catch phrase. You just couldn't get away from that particu...
Posted by on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:08:00 GMT

New Article! Good stuff

 Here's a copy of the new article found in the Weekender on Siouxland.net.  If you wanna check out the site, please do so at www.siouxland.net  Hope you enjoy!   THE LATINO EDDIE V...
Posted by on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:18:00 GMT

New Song Up

Hey there!  I'm back in Minneapolis and so far so good.  Just wanted to let everyone know I posted a new song.  It's a writing demo called "Sometimes".  It was done by Brant Leeper...
Posted by on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:51:00 GMT

Bonepicker

I can't tell you what an amazing weekend I have had.  The news is out and I am proud to share it with you.  Jim West at Bonepicker is designing the new Ken Valdez signature amplifier and it ...
Posted by on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:29:00 GMT

I love Erica Viking!

I had a great weekend with the one and only Erica Viking.  The conversations, the music...all of it.  She is truly one of my favorite people and a dear friend.  Beacause of her, my band...
Posted by on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:19:00 GMT

Chris Calloway 1945-2008

From the Santa Fe New Mexican Aug. 9, 2008 Santa Fe's reigning diva of the night, Chris Calloway, jazz singer and daughter of famous Cotton Club bandleader Cab Calloway, died Thursday.  She was 6...
Posted by on Sat, 09 Aug 2008 21:43:00 GMT

Tones From Home

It's been a few days since we returned to the Land Of Entrapment.  The trek home was one for the record books...let me recap by taking you back to our last show on the tour.  We hit Varsity...
Posted by on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:31:00 GMT