Ken Valdez has been called “The Best Kept Secret” by well known/respected names in the industry. This guitarist/singer/songwriter is grateful for the title, however, it is one he wishes to break free from. Born and raised in Santa Fe, NM, his love for music was apparent early on and it became his calling. In his own words, “…music was my first love. It has been with me from the day I was born and will stay with me until I die. Music is who I am. It is my everything.” So, at the age of 19, with guitar in hand, he set off on his musical journey. Valdez’s debut album Approach caught the attention of legendary Muscle Shoals guitarist Wayne Perkins and Jon Langseth, Jonny Lang’s father. The pair convinced Valdez to move to Minneapolis, MN where they created his second album Every Little Lie. It was Valdez’s first major effort at working with some big names in the industry. The album met rave reviews and received critical acclaim. Shortly after the release of Every Little Lie, Ken received an invitation to play lead guitar in Mick Fleetwood’s (Fleetwood Mac) solo project. The following year, Valdez released the acoustic album Thoughts & Time. It is the most ambitious and personal album he has made to date. Currently, Valdez is working on new projects. He continues to tear up stages with both his electric band and acoustically. He has taken the reins of his musical vision. His collaborations with successful, multi-platinum selling, even Grammy winning songwriters, musicians and producers have refined his skills. Valdez’s new work is raw, fresh and sharp. He has a rare blend of raw talent, sensitivity, and down-to-earth grittiness that gives his music a wide appeal. His vision, talent and drive have pushed the envelope on creativity and has developed another side to his already unique sound. The songs are real, the shows are riveting and Ken Valdez remains to be a must see, must hear experience. This “Best Kept Secret” won’t be a secret for long.

Ken Valdez proudly uses Mollenhauer Guitars, Dean Markley Strings, Bonepicker Guitar Amplifiers and Effects (featuring the Ken Valdez signature KV Special 30 amplifier and the Ken Valdez signature Overdrive/Compressor dual pedal), Curtis Novak Pickups and Guitars (featuring two Ken Valdez signature model guitars), Keeley Electronics Guitar Effects and Maxon Guitar Effects, 

 Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Arc Angels), Jonny Lang, The Black Crowes, Robin Trower, Jeff Healey, Double Trouble (Stevie Ray Vaughan), Maceo Parker (James Brown, Prince), Joan Osborne, Cheap Trick, Gov't Mule, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Steve Miller Band, Mick Fleetwood Band, Nickelback, Wolfmother, BB King, Robert Cray, Junior Brown, Marc Broussard, Sammy Hagar, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Patty Griffin, Dave Alvin, Big & Rich, Al Green, Keith Urban, Marshall Crenshaw, Edgar Winter, The Samples, Dr. John, Nazareth, Spin Doctors, The Neville Brothers, Shemekia Copeland, Tinsley Ellis, Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey), Jimi Jamison, Fergie Frederiksen (Toto), Jellybean Johnson (Morris Day & The Time, F Deluxe, Ronnie Baker Brooks), Sonny Landreth, Michael Bland (Prince, Jonny Lang, Soul Asylum, Maxwell), Sonny Thompson (Prince, Jonny Lang),  Ricky Peterson (John Mayer, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks), St. Paul Peterson (Kenny Loggins, Oleta Adams, The Time, The Family), Coco Montoya, James McMurtry, Little River Band, Rick Springfield, Ian Moore (Jason Mraz), Chris Duarte, Shannon Curfman (Kid Rock), Eric Sardinas, Magic Slim, Indigenous, Corey Harris