VALENTI “FUNK” THOMAS stretches the boundaries of the imagination and just makes us feel good

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Valenti of ‘The Effinays’ to release debut solo album featuring elements of on June 19

Multi-instrumentalist and producer Valenti “Funk” Thomas releases his self-titled debut solo album on Friday, June 19, 2015. Valenti’s debut album is the artist’s first solo endeavor and features an eclectic mix of 11 genre bending songs. The album features talented DFW artists such as funk/reggae powerhouse and lead singer of The Effinays Joe “Big Spook” Martinez, hip-hop artist Kedrian “Versatile” McPhearson, background vocalist for multi-platinum soul queen Erykah Badu, LaLa Johnson, and more. Valenti serves as drummer, keyboardist, bass player and producer on the album which will be available for purchase through iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and the artist’s website at www.valentifunk.com.

The album “Valenti”, sounds like one of those essential recordings from the late 70’s, filled with funk, soul, reggae and just downright good music; it is far removed from the computer-induced electronic fodder that currently dominates the mass market. Though steeped in the classic ‘real music’ sound, each song manages to be innovative and showcases the imagination and performance quality this collective is capable of.

Scintillating synths, rolling basses, hard-strumming guitars and superb vocals abound all over. Sometimes music should be made without the hassles associated with acceptance and hit-making. Artists should create work that stretches the boundaries of the imagination and just makes us feel good. Something that only targets emotions, and that’s exactly what Valenti “Funk” Thomas and his crew have accomplished here!

When you listen to this album record, you are experiencing a profound music lesson – “get it on and let it out!” Nobody holds anything back here, as the tracks come on like building waves crashing to the shore, one after another. This is ecstatic aural bliss. Listening to this, you get the feeling that the musicians could jam forever if they wanted to…and you could groove to this for even much longer!

From the moment Valenti “Funk” Thomas brings the instrumental “Irving Bear Creek”, in on a drum roll, you know this is going to be a good one. And your expectations are confirmed by the funky bass lines and soul-stirring reggae voice, courtesy of Bill Spook, on “Party Fiesta”. Spook then lures and tantalizes our primordial urges with the slowburner “More Light”.

Valenti then takes us on an ethereal, world-music, instrumental journey, with “You”, before finally delivering us to the unabashed funk and soul rhythms of “Some Mo” and “Oh My” featuring the splendid voice of LaLa Johnson.

The album follows the pattern of a rollercoaster, twisting and turning, falling and rising, between tempos, rhythms and tones. “Backslide” featuring Zach Pohl adds a beautiful somber tone that will resonate in yours long after it has ended, and Kevin Snearley’s guitar just adds fire to the fusion flame, on “Side By Side”.

The crunchy guitar and organ grind on “Stank” featuring Kelyn Crapp is a monstrously-driven arrangement, and my absolute favorite song on the album. If you can sit still through 15 seconds of this song without even nodding your head, you’re probably dead already!

“Chill On The Couch” featuring Aisha Mars on Flute, aims to give you time to ‘chill’ and take a breather, accompanied by its mellow tones. Valenti left the Rap until the end, when he invites Versatile to flow over his romping beat on “Parking Spot”.

Hardly will you find a tighter, more energetic and emotional album filled with joyous, feel good music than you do on Valenti “Funk” Thomas’ self-titled debut album. There is nothing lackluster to be found here. Every song is an explosion of righteous, joyful music created by a truly competent collective!

THE STORY: Born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Irving, Texas, Valenti has played a variety of instruments including drums, keys and bass guitar over the years. Before he joined Dallas-based funk/reggae group The Effinays, who were named “Best Live Act” by the Dallas Observer (2013). With The Effinays, Valenti has shared the stage with artists such as Snoop Dogg (Lion), Grammy award-winning Latin funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma, and CMT Music Award and Academy of Country Music Award-winning country music artist Jack Ingram. “Valenti” was recorded between 2010 and 2015 at various local studios including Track Studio in Plano, Session Works in Arlington, House of Rudd in Bedford and Phoenix Drive Audio in Dallas.

OFFICIAL LINK: www.valentifunk.com