Rick Valente looks at life in many different ways…..some simple and some complicated. Growing up on south side of Chicago in the late 50’s and in the 60’s, it was Rock & Roll, Chicago blues and Soul music instilled in his head. "The greatest time in modern musical history I think" states Rick.
After moving to New England, enlisting in the US Navy at the tail end of the Vietnam War, his subsequent aviation college in Florida and finally airline jobs in Texas, Rick's musical savvy and spirit has morphed significantly. As one who had no early interest in country music, country music has made its indelible mark on his music.
"I’ve grown in my love of acoustic guitar, fiddle, keyboards, harmonica and dobro/slide/pedal steel. My songs reflect my life and things I’ve seen or done. Loves lost and won, trials and tribulations, hopes and dreams. I just want to paint a picture of my soul through my music and hope whomever listens to these songs will “catch my drift” as we used to say!"
"Although I have matured in my musical influences, it all started back in the 1960's fpr me.....and going forward with: The Limelighters, Kingston Trio, The Association, Mommas and the Pappas, The Eagles, Dave Clark Five, The Kinks, The Beatles, Blues Mcgoos, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, CSNY, The Buckinghams, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Rolling Stones, The Police, AC/DC, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Bonnie Raitt, CCR, Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow and on and on. Especially good classic rock and blues. Music has a way of moving us and helping us decide on paths forward with our writing and development. I cherish it all."