"Up Close & Personal" with Mr. Velvet Groove "Eric Valentine"

Eric Valentine

Eric Valentine & Velvet Groove’s “Velvet Groove” is the debut album from Matcha Entertainment. This is a full-length set and a true all-star collaboration featuring over 40 artists. It also includes over ten original songs certain to inspire.

Stepping out from behind his drum kit, Valentine thrives plying his skills as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist on “Velvet Groove,” playing keyboards, synths, bass, vocals, percussion and drums on the disc comprised of ten full songs – nine of which he penned or co-penned – along with three reprises. The star power illuminating the high-level session of deft rhythms and grooves include Grammy winner Kirk Whalum, multiple Grammy nominee Gerald Albright and chart-toppers Elliot, Braun, Adam Hawley, Elan Trotman, Brian Simpson and Greg Manning. Pianist Wayne Linsey, jazz fusion guitarist Alex Machacek, and percussionists Lenny Castro, Munyungo Jackson and Ramon Islas are among those who texturize the lush tracks.