Gary Valente (born June 26, 1953) is a jazz trombonist.

Early life

Valente was born on June 26, 1953, in Worcester, Massachusetts. He started playing the trombone as a young child, encouraged by his father, who played the same instrument. In the 1970s he studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Jaki Byard, and recorded with the conservatory's Jazz Repertory Orchestra.

Later life and career

Valente became a prominent figure in contemporary big band jazz, as a member of bands led by Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Chico O'Farrill, and George Russell. He has also played in a diverse range of smaller groups, including those led by Don Byron, Cab Calloway, Charlie Haden, Joe Lovano, and Andy Sheppard. As a leader, he had a small band with tenor saxophonist Bob Hanlon in the late 1980s and co-founded Slideride with other trombonists in 1994. At the end of the 1990s he led a quintet that featured Lew Soloff.

Discography

With Carla Bley With Lester Bowie With George Gruntz With Joe Lovano With Nick Mason With Arturo O'Farrill With Chico O'Farrill With Ed Schuller With Andy Sheppard With others