Vinny Valentino Trio
Featuring Baron Browne, & Tony Royster Jr.
Wed., August 27
7 PM
$20.
 Vinny Valentino's "Too Soon To Know" (mp3)
Vinny Valentino's "She Said" (mp3)
 Tony Royster at 12 Years Old (viewed 1.5 million times)
Tony Royster Jr. Today (viewed 1.6 million times)
I have experienced for instance Earl Klugh, Kevin Eubanks, Mark Whitfield and a few others; among them I would have to include Vinny Valentino...it is my pleasure to introduce another young genius with a brilliant tone and fresh ideas I personally welcome him to the clan."
- George Benson
 Vinny Valentino
Guitarist Vinny Valentino continues to redefine jazz music, to the acclaim of audiences worldwide.
Playing guitar since age six, this native Virginian began touring in a progressive rock band while still in high school. At age 16, influenced by the music of George Benson, Vinny began pursuing Jazz as a career. He recalls, "The turning point for me was hearing George Benson in concert; I had never heard anybody play like that. It was an eye-opening experience." Vinny and his mentor have since developed a close friendship.
Vinny earned his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Howard University. He began his musical studies at Northern Virginia Community College and continued them at George Mason University before concentrating on jazz at Howard. In 1988, he released his first solo recording entitled, Vinny Valentino, and now has five recordings to his credit.
Vinny has shared the stage or recording studio with such jazz greats as Tom Scott, Gary Bartz, Jeff Andrews, John Benitez, John Pattitucci, Richie Morales, Bob Moses, George Benson, Keter Betts, Steve Gadd, Patrice Rushen, Charlie Byrd, Buck Hill, and Jimmy McGriff. Vinny and his band have opened for Ramsey Lewis, Joey DeFrancesco, Spyro Gyra, Steve Morse, Paco deLucia, and David Crosby.
Based in New York City, Vinny tours extensively, playing concerts, festivals, and club engagements around the world. Vinny and his trio were selected by the Kennedy Center and the Department of State to represent the United States in the U.S. Jazz Ambassadors Program. He and the trio featuring bassist John Benitez and percussionist Gilad recently toured 7 countries (Uruguay, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, and Brazil) in South America for six weeks playing concerts and giving music master classes.
 Tony Royster Jr.
Tony Royster Jr. is only 23 years old and has been playing drums since the age of 3. Often referred to as a "prodigy" by his fans, he has participated in numerous drummer events and contests worldwide including the 1995 Guitar Center National Drum-Off competition in Hollywood, CA which he won at the ripe old age of 11!
Tony is becoming accustomed to high-profile performances that include TV's Nickelodeon House Band (lead by Paul Shaffer of the David Letterman show), the Jenny Jones show, the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards show, and an international tour in 2001 as the drummer for #1 selling Asian artist, Hikaru Utada. Additionally, he is regularly invited to perform at prestigious events worldwide such as PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention), Modern Drummer Festival, the Montreal Drumfest, and the Florida Drum Expo.
Proficient in numerous styles, Tony excels at Funk, R&B, Latin, Rock, and Jazz. He has performed alongside such notable drummers as Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Sheila E., and veteran drummer Chester Thompson. He has also graced the stage with legendary musician's Branford Marsalis, Paul Shaffer, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, among others.
Tony Royster Jr. was voted #1 Up and Coming Drummer by Modern Drummer magazine 2000 readers' poll and has been voted #2 in the UK 2001 readers' poll. He has appeared on the cover of the millennium issue of Modern Drummer magazine with Dennis Chambers.
Tony's talents have carried him across the globe to Europe, Japan, and Asia but in 2001 he achieved substantial international acclaim with the Warner Brothers video release of, "Common Ground", featuring Tony with his mentor, and favorite drummer, Dennis Chambers.
Most importantly, Tony is a positive role model for all kids. His motto is "Be cool, stay in school" and he sets the standard for personal achievement among his peers.
 Baron Browne
Born and raised in Georgia, Baron Browne gravitated to music at a very early age, learning to play his uncle's drumset at 7 years old. As a teenager he dabbled in piano lessons and at age 12 played guitar for a year before realizing that bass guitar was to be his instrument. At 18 he enrolled in the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston.
In 1983, Baron received a call from jazz-fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. After touring for three years and recording three albums with Ponty, Billy Cobham came calling. Baron traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. with the legendary drummer. After three years and two albums with Cobham, Baron returned to the Ponty band for more work.
In 1992, Baron joined the group Steps Ahead featuring Mike Mainieri and "Saturday Night Live" saxophonist Alex Foster. One year later he was invited by renowned jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton to join him for tours of Japan, Europe and the U.S.
In 1996, Ponty called on Baron once again to record his first live album in over 20 years ("Live at Chene Park"). The album received rave reviews from jazz critics. In 1997 Baron's talents were secured by renowned Journey drummer Steve Smith for a European tour with his group Vital Information.
In 1999 Baron went on an extensive tour of Europe, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand with Steve Smith and Vital Information to help promote their CD entitled "Where We Come From." A double live CD called "Live Around The World" documenting the band on that tour was released Sept. 2000.
While working with Vital Info, Steve Smith also uses Baron for his Jazz Legacy tribute band with Mark Soskin and Walt Weiskopf and Andy Fusco.
As of 2008, Baron continues to write and perform with Vital Information as a full-fledged member. Their latest release "Come On In" received rave reviews from jazz critics around the world.
Don't miss the exciting Vinnie Valentino on guitar and Baron Browne on electric bass, both members of the jazz fusion super group Vital Information. Joining Valentino will be the emerging drum star, Tony Royster Jr. on drums from Jay Z's group. This dynamic power trio will be performing live at Nighttown on Wednesday, August 27th.
| Vinny Valentino Trio Featuring Baron Browne, & Tony Royster Jr. posted on Monday August 25, 2008 |
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