Flutist Dave Valentin Wins at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards

BUENA PARK, CA (February 25, 2003) — Flutist Dave Valentin has won the 45th Annual Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album. Acknowledged as one of the top jazz flutists in the world, Dave is at home in a wide variety of musical genres. His prize winning Latin style album 'The Gathering' reflects his family's Puerto Rico roots blending artistically with his New York jazz background.

The album is performed by the 'Caribbean Jazz Project', a collaboration between Dave Valentin and Yamaha vibes artist Dave Samuels.

Valentin performs on a YFL-681H, and also uses Yamaha alto, bass, and piccolo flutes. And in addition to the two 'Dave' Yamaha artists, Latin music legend Paquito D'Rivera appears on the album as guest artist playing his YAS-875B.

In addition to Dave Valentin's success, other Yamaha artists received awards such as the Yamaha wind section of BB King's band who won awards in both Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Best Traditional Blues Album. Also we congratulate the London Philharmonic horn section whose beautiful playing on their Yamaha horns were a major reason the 'Lord of the Rings' won the Best Score Soundtrack Album For A Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media.