About
Desi Valentine
Desi Valentine is a London based singer, actor and songwriter.
Desi’s career as a professional singer started in the London’s musicals: he has been in the original west end cast of Mel Brooks’ The Producers (starring “Nathan Lane” and “Lee Evan”) and the leading man “Tyrone Jackson” in Fame, the musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre.
- Desi at Live&Unsigned 2009
His multi-faceted talent also brought him to work as a backing vocalist for such artists as Gloria Estefan, Rachel Stevens, Alexandra Burke and Sir Elton John.
But this was not enough for an explosive creative soul like Desi: in 2008 he meets the guitarist and co-writer Mosè Tronci, and finally starts to shape his own material.
The following events are hectic: Desi records the debut album Back To Me under the production of Kevin Porée at one of the most well-known studios in London (Berry Street Studios); the songs contained in the album will receive such a great success that Desi will be finalist at the National Grand Final of Live&Unsigned 2009, the massive UK music competition with over 30,000 participants.
Desi is currently dividing his activities in promoting his debut album and in performing in the London music scene. The live activity is divided between rock concerts in big venues such as Proud Galleries in Camden Town and The Garage in Islington, or intimate acoustic gigs in bars like Mahiki in Green Park.
From an education point of view, Desi trained in singing at Italia Conti school of performing arts (which has seen Eternal, Naomi Campbell and Kellie Young Liberty X as past students) and Laine theatre Arts, where he graduated in National Diploma in Performing arts (the school has seen Ruthie Henshall and Victoria Beckham as past students).
- Desi Valentine, photo by John Oakley
Mose Tronci
Mosè Tronci is Desi’s guitarist and co-writer; his essential rock playing and and his choice of vintage instruments greatly contributes to the uniqueness of Desi’s sound.
He is co-author with Desi Valentine of the songs of the album Back To Me.
Mosè Tronci - photo by John Oakley
Instruments
Guitars
- Fender Stratocaster – Sunburst – 1976
- Gibson Les Paul – Gold Top – 1971
Amplification
- Orange Dual Terror Head
- Orange 2×12 Cabinet
- Peavey Blues Classic combo
Effects
- Chorus BOSS CE2
- Analog Delay Washburn AD9
- BOSS Overdrive OD2
Mose at Berry Street - photo by Sara Ferraris
Collaborators
Desi Valentine has collaborated with the following musicians for his live concerts and studio sessions.
Lead, Rhythm and acoustic guitars
Mosè Tronci, Italian guitarist and song-writer. He has been member of the band Portagalera, active for many years in the Italian music scene.
Drums
Phil Knight, well known session musician in the London scene, and holder of the World Non-Stop Drumming Record.
Bass
Johnny Copland, Scottish bass player with a Jazz background and an extraordinary rock attitude. He has been playing with Jim Mullen, Frank Gambale and Artcha, and has registered the bass for the debut album Back To Me.
Recently the live gigs are supported by Chris Webb.
Pedal Steel Guitar, Lap Steel Guitar
Melvin Duffy, one of the best pedal steel guitarists available. He played in the albums of Joe Cocker and Robbie Williams, with whom he has also been touring for several years.
Backing Vocals
Jennifer Tierney, extraordinary singer and actress from Scotland. She is in the cast of the musical Wicked, performed in the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.
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