I’ve
known Jonathan Valen since 1988. I worked as a bassist with
singer / Songwriter Mark Ashton. We had a record deal with RCA.
And Paul Rothchild (aka the Doors and Janis Joplin) was our
producer. Zak Starkey was our drummer, but had to return to
England and couldn’t do the recording. Jonathan stepped
in and did a fantastic job. His input both musically and personably
were five star. Since that meeting I’ve worked with Jonathan
in many situations and he always comes to play with total professionalism
in both drumming and attitude. His expertise in digital recording
and drum programming is A+. As far as the Judas Priest thing,
Never would I think for a minute that Jonathan would try in
take claim for something that was not true, after all he played
on a record with Terry Bozzio I don’t know of to many drummers
that have done that.
I value my relationship with Jonathan both as a musician and
a friend.
Bob Birch
Bassist for the Elton John Band |
Aug
22nd 2004
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the good fortune to know Jonathan Valen as a professional
colleague and as a friend for over fifteen years. I have tremendous
respect for his abilities as a musician, producer and engineer.
In addition to those attributes he is a very accomplished technician
in the area of computer programming, electric drums and digital
recording,
being one of California’s most well regarded ProTools experts.
Jonathan has also gained deserved recognition as a highly sought
after drummer by some of the worlds top artists in the pop,
rock and crossover fields and he has a reputation for excellence
and integrity. We have spoken on many occasions about his time
working with Judas Priest and know that despite the fact that
he did not get official recognition for his service, for understandable
public relations reasons, he was justifiably proud of his work
and association with such a unique and prominent group.
I hope this may help to dispel some of the strange and unnecessary
controversy surrounding Jonathan and his association with Judas
Priest.
Respectfully,
Doane Perry
Jethro Tull |
