GemStones #33: Jeffrey Valantine (Post-Disco, Slow Jam, Smooth Soul) 🍫 ❤️ 🌅

Aquilla

A lot of people say I'm a very talkative person.....that’s because I am

   - Jeffrey Valantine on "Can This Be", 1987

Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeffrey Valantine had been playing the guitar since he was a kid. When he was 17, Valantine was playing at a nightclub and already gaining traction in the local scene. Debarge members Bobby and Tommy discovered and soon took Valantine under their wing. By 22, Jeffrey Valantine grew to write and record his own music. Tis was the start of an underground journey

Frankly, this man was an multi-instrumentalist. It’s evident in his songs how adept Valantine was. Yet, his musical motif is always a guitar and makes certain songs feel complete
Which is why I feel he's more of a Kashif type artist as his ability to combine R&B, Funk, New Wave, Rock, Jazz Fusion is a glorious blend of musicality.

If there is one word to describe his soundscapes: Sunrise. Valantine is perfect at making songs that sound as if you just woke up in the morning. Only to experience the shining light beaming through your window and echoes of birds chirping in the background. Closing with you rubbing your eyes and unveiling the curtains to reveal a green, luscious valley of vegetation. Songs such as Lonely Room, Rainey Sunshine, and Why I Cry have this in gorgeous spades.

Furthermore, Jeffrey Valantine is at his strongest when he does his mid-tempo slow jams. His personality reveals itself, reminscent of a 1950s Rock & Roll artist: Stylish, Emotive, and a Maverick. Possibly a benefit from being under the tuelage of The Debarges, who were known for showcasing their charisma. Jeffrey Valantine has voice that harkens back to the early days of Rock & Roll but dripped in the fabric of Urban Contemporary smoothness. His rhythmic phrasings are usually the icing on the cake and carries his point home as displayed in Rainey Sunshine

Coincidentally, Bobby and Bunny Debarge appear as features on Lonely Room and Shower Of Love. He has a tendency to talk near the end of his songs, sounding like a 107.5 WBLS FM radio host during a break or outro. Can This Be, has the aforementioned quote that is a humorous yet heartfelt moment.

My issues with his music is that he's not an album artist . Some of his songs are outdated and almost near creepy territory So, I had to pick out his strongest songs for the benefit of ya'll. He is not great at upbeat, high tempo tracks at all. Plus, Valantine has tracks with outdated lyrics/topics that make you go He definitely needed some quality control but I let ya'll experience that at your own measure.

If he had some major label support, maybe he would have strengthen his cohesion. However, Valantine staying underground allowed him to show sparks of his talent, an amazing one at that

Happy Black History Month and Happy Valentine's Day to all ya'll!
Make sure to treat your significant other or sidepiece with all the love, attention, and chocolate