Teacher Profile: Joseph Valdez
Joseph Valdez
Instrument(s): Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Trombone, Trumpet, Percussion, Brass, Horns
City: Kansas City
About Joseph Valdez
Joseph is a dynamic multi-instrumentalist whose musical palette spans jazz, blues, funk, Latin, reggae, and rock. He has shared his profound love for music with students of all ages for over a decade. He is proficient in multiple instruments including: piano, guitar, trombone, trumpet, saxophone, bass and harmonica, but his deepest passion lies in his beloved percussion and drums. Drawing deep inspiration from legends such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie and Pedrito Martinez, Joseph has forged a versatile sound that bridges the improvisational sophistication of jazz with the raw, soulful power of American roots music.
Joseph has built an impressive resume of accomplishments over the course of his career. A trained trumpeter and trombonist, he earned 1st chair Trombone in Beloit, Wisconsin, showcasing his technical command and classical foundation. His prowess behind the drum kit has also earned widespread national recognition. He was signed to InVogue Records in 2016 (Findlay, Ohio) and has won multiple competitions including the Mosaics Oktoberfest Drum Competition in Kansas City. He also earned a 2nd place finish in Project Backstage's Drummer of the Year competition. In 2016, his band was honored as Kansas City's Outstanding Band of the Year, and he is a recipient of the prestigious Jim Kilroy Bonsai Award. His talent has also taken him on multiple nationwide tours.
Deeply embedded in the Kansas City music scene, Joseph remains an active and generous contributor to its vibrant music community. He is affiliated with both the Kansas City Blues Society and the Topeka Blues Society, and performs regularly at festivals and beloved local venues such as Knuckleheads and BB's Lawnside. His weekly performances stretch across several states, reflecting his commitment to bringing live music to audiences far and wide.
In addition to his work with the Howard Mahan Band, Joseph is a champion of musical collaboration and community, hosting multiple weekly open jams - including popular weekly residencies at Nighthawk in Hotel Kansas City and Tin Roof in Westport. He frequently shares the stage with an impressive roster of Kansas City artists, including the Taylor Smith Trio, The Old No. 5s, The Fling, The Sean McDonnell Band, and The Allman Brothers Tribute Band.
Whether laying down a smoky blues groove, blazing through a bebop trombone line, or driving a rock anthem home, Joseph brings passion, craftsmanship, and authenticity to every performance - solidifying his reputation as one of the Midwest's most versatile and respected working musicians.