About Me
New Rekkid - "Those of you who have been listening to the blues in our Music City for awhile have probably seen a young guitarist by the name of Valentine around for awhile. He's been at first memorable due to his height, which is, well, real short. However, Valentine Zehel is a cat who is, make NO mistake - has great stature in the world of playing the BLUES. Val has been living the blues and becoming an expert in the oldest rocking styles of his art. He delivers both guitar and vocals on his new 6-tune disc called COULD I BE MORE WRONG? So what's it like? The first thing that lots of folks have problems with on first records from guitarists not blessed with perfect pipes, are vocals. Well, from my generation, think of Bob Dylan, think of Springsteen, think of Neal Young, think of Mick, think of lots of others who overcome this limitation with pure ballsy intensity. I believe the guy when he sings. He means it. Purity of delivery comes thanks to Val's classically nuanced guitar blasts and flows combined with the gritty vocals. If you're a hard blues fan, you can't go wrong with Val's songlist. Two Robert Johnsons, a Howlin' Wolf, a Jimmy Rogers and, my favorites, two originals. "Lil Val," as he sometimes calls himself, can write. The title cut is delivered in old time rockin' style where Val howls, wondering, "could I be more wrong than I already am? I thought you were cheating on me, but you were cheating on your other man..." And the short guitar breakdown in the middle of the tune delivers an extra explosive kick. "Taste of Love," is a lonesome man's reality made real to any music fan. Congratulations, Val. COULD I BE MORE WRONG? is a huge arrival for you as an artist.
"Anyone familiar with Shan de Bayou's Thursday night blues jam at the Boardwalk Cafe might also be familiar with Valentine Zehel. Shan was kind enough to share his CD with us... Valentine handles guitar and vocals, and is backed by Perry Richardson on bass, and Shawn Baker and Johnny Bird on drums. This one is a fine debut from Music City's wealth of undiscovered talent. Valentine does a great take on Robert Johnson's "Kind Hearted Woman," but we had two favorites. His original "Could I Be More Wrong," is an amped-up cheatin' tale with a very danceable chunka-chunka rhythm and some tasty lead work. His jump-blues arrangement of Jimmy Rogers' "That's Allright" breathes new vigor in this classic blues cut! Overall, a very impressive debut from a local artist that we'll undoubtedly be hearing more from in the future! Until next time... Sheryl and Don Crow."
Honorable mention by: Diz
