Some Song Previews
Layden Robinson and I created the Valve project.
This album's original working title was The Dark. And that was its purposeful theme. Layden and I set out to write an album that reflected what we observed while living in The Valley of the Sun, in Arizona. There is such a history of corruption, from the top down, in that place: AzScam; the Savings & Loan catastrophe; an investigative journalist being blown up in his car in broad daylight; the FBI coming in to attempt to stop, by armed force, Indian Gaming; more than one state governor going to prison; the craziest place to drive ever--what with Meth-crazed 20-somethings motoring gaunt cheek-by-jowl alongside elderly "snowbirds"....
Overlaying all this were personal tragedies, and yes, even some actual angst. How could we help but attempt to exorcise some of these demons through our Art and our Work?
The music on The Dark Tongue is funky and rocky and alternative and Zappa-esque, in the darkest possible way. (We did our best to inject at least a little humor).
And on top of all that, everybody can really play. The musicianship is exceptional. In addition to writing with Layden, I had the pleasure of working with two brilliant musicians on this project, Ryan Baker on drums and percussion, and Jason Southard on guitar. Both are alumni of country star-singer-actor Christian Kane's band. (If you check out the Kane video for the rockin' country hit, "The House Rules", you will see them both in the opening shots.)
VALVE CREDITS
Ryan Baker
Wonderful human being first. Bonus: Badass drummer.
Jason Southard
The winner of the last Official Jimi Hendrix competition and arguably, the Best Rock Guitarist in the Whole Wide World.... That being said, you have to ask Jason to turn up during rehearsal. But. On the actual gig, Jason Southard is one of the most charismatic musicians in the world. It's like they let a benevolent T-Rex play guitar live with humans.
Layden Robinson
A genius guitar player. A genius Poet. My honor to work with a genius. Layden is currently ranked #8 on the ReverbNation San Francisco Singer Songwriter Indie Pop chart.
Mark Manley
I write songs and sing. I also play bass. I have been associated with the bands The Balance, The Thunder Group, and GDM, amongst others.
______________________
VALVE's new album, The Dark Tongue is available on Amazon and iTunes. More stores to follow soon.
This album's original working title was The Dark. And that was its purposeful theme. Layden and I set out to write an album that reflected what we observed while living in The Valley of the Sun, in Arizona. There is such a history of corruption, from the top down, in that place: AzScam; the Savings & Loan catastrophe; an investigative journalist being blown up in his car in broad daylight; the FBI coming in to attempt to stop, by armed force, Indian Gaming; more than one state governor going to prison; the craziest place to drive ever--what with Meth-crazed 20-somethings motoring gaunt cheek-by-jowl alongside elderly "snowbirds"....
Overlaying all this were personal tragedies, and yes, even some actual angst. How could we help but attempt to exorcise some of these demons through our Art and our Work?
The music on The Dark Tongue is funky and rocky and alternative and Zappa-esque, in the darkest possible way. (We did our best to inject at least a little humor).
And on top of all that, everybody can really play. The musicianship is exceptional. In addition to writing with Layden, I had the pleasure of working with two brilliant musicians on this project, Ryan Baker on drums and percussion, and Jason Southard on guitar. Both are alumni of country star-singer-actor Christian Kane's band. (If you check out the Kane video for the rockin' country hit, "The House Rules", you will see them both in the opening shots.)
VALVE CREDITS
Ryan Baker
Wonderful human being first. Bonus: Badass drummer.
Jason Southard
The winner of the last Official Jimi Hendrix competition and arguably, the Best Rock Guitarist in the Whole Wide World.... That being said, you have to ask Jason to turn up during rehearsal. But. On the actual gig, Jason Southard is one of the most charismatic musicians in the world. It's like they let a benevolent T-Rex play guitar live with humans.
Layden Robinson
A genius guitar player. A genius Poet. My honor to work with a genius. Layden is currently ranked #8 on the ReverbNation San Francisco Singer Songwriter Indie Pop chart.
Mark Manley
I write songs and sing. I also play bass. I have been associated with the bands The Balance, The Thunder Group, and GDM, amongst others.
______________________
VALVE's new album, The Dark Tongue is available on Amazon and iTunes. More stores to follow soon.