The Valentinos Treasure Chest - Acappella Gems Through The Years (CD)

(Clifton- Ronnie I) 26 tracks
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A sure sign of a solid vocal group is one that truly stands the test of time It could be said that very few vocal groups have stood this test True, there are many groups who have stayed together and continued performing for over 30 years, but to truly stand the test of time is something else entirely. Longevity of a vocal group is determined not only by its ability to maintain a set of personnel, but also by its profienciency in preserving the same high quality vocal standard it might have had at its inception, as a matter of integrity. Arguably, there are many groups still in existence today that try as they may, simply cannot emulate the quality of sound that they had 30+ years ago.

Less arguably, The Valentinos are one group that assertively defies this statement In 1956, Bronx native Gil Valentin formed a group he called The Casanovas. So as not to be confused with The Casanovas from North Carolina (recordings on Apollo 1954-57), he changed the name to The Valentinos-a romantic play on the famous actor, the celebrated holiday, and Gil's own last name Under commanding leadership of Gil Valentin, from 1959 to present, this solid vocal group forges ahead with overwhelming integrity. Sure, there have been some personnel changes over the years; it's rare that a group would maintain the same personnel for so many years. The former Valentinos members featured on this album are James Myers (tenor/lead; original lead of The Chessmen, a noted 60s acappella group), Elliot Rivera (original member), Roy Fogie and Bay Pesante. Nevertheless, no matter what the personnel, their sound has always had distinctive chemistry. The Valentinos have earned their reputation for their carefully selected repertoire dominated by 1950s, unique arrangements and precision harmony.

Today, Gil Valentin continues with the trademark sound of his own 2nd tenor/lead and Sonia Rivera (tenor/lead; member since the group's inception), Tom Swift (baritone/bass), Tom originally auditioned as a Tenor, not impressing the group. Gil however saw a chance to teach him bass. Today Tom is considered one of the better basses in the acappella circuit He has been a Valentinos member since 1985. Pamela Cartagena (tenor/lead), Brooklyn born, started singing at the tender age of ten. After many years of as a "shower singer" she mustered up the courage to audition for her favorite group in 1991. The Valentinos were sold on Pam after her very first attempt • In spite of personnel changes, The Valentinos' sound has always been one with distinctive chemistry.

This is one group whose sound can best be described as authentic. The current lineup features, not just simply two females (an unusual trait in and of itself), but two of the finest female singers in the acappella circuit today. In a circuit where fine female voices are scarce, not only do both of these ladies have powerfully distinctive leads, the smoothness of their harmony easily matches (and even surpasses some) any male vocal couplings. There is no other acappella group that can boast two female voices that completely complement each other making it possible to achieve a sound as smooth and sleek as poured liquid.

The Valentinos have earned their reputation for their careful depiction of the streetcorner harmony sound of the mid-1950s, with a carefully selected repertoire dominated by 1950s material, meticulous arrangements and precision harmony. If you've never heard The Valentinos before, now is your i chance to hear something extraordinary. I urge you to take advantage of it; acappella like this is meant to cherish-and enjoy over and over again.