Valentino has grown to be one of those friends’ bands whom I go see because they are just good. They also happen to be the kind of group that is always in on some joke or smiling about something. Over the last few months front man Aaron Leigh and the original sibling crew, Sarah Rayne and Zach Leigh, have recruited Mack Slevin on guitar (Flashing Red Lights, Ghost Kings, Darci Cash, Hungry Birds), Mike Hendry on bass (Flashing Red Lights, Ghost Kings), and Jeff Baird on drums (Darci Cash) into the family. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.
I’ve been keeping tabs on the band’s progress over the last few months, and they have been locked away in rehearsals with this new arrangement with out letting out so much as a peep. Then just this past Monday Aaron and his finely groomed pack delivered an impressive array of songs they decided show off before they go into the studio. I was impressed with what the new members had to bring and the usage of the three guitars was well put together. It wasn’t cluttered and everything kept its unified sound with just the right kind of surprises along the way.
I talked to Aaron before the show and he said he liked the idea of keeping this lineup, and perhaps even get a Flashing Red Lights and Valentino tour together…the added bonus being the amount of equipment is cut in half. For now though, the plan is just to get the songs down, go into the studio, and cross some fingers. Keep an eye out for these up and coming musicians, and especially keep an eye on Aaron…if you see a single hair out of place, you win.
End Scene,
Dan Tana
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