Photo by: Frankvigil.com

Jimmy V Biography:

James "Jimmy V" Valdez was born and raised in Southern California. While he acknowledges that he was wrapped up in the rock scene in the 80’s, he had great exposure to the blues while running sound for the Santa Barbara Blues Society with acts included John Lee Hooker, Anson Funderburgh, Johhny "Clyde" Copeland and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Relocating to Indianapolis in 1991, Jimmy played in several rock bands before going on to cut his blues teeth with the Indianapolis band Catfish from 1994 to 1997. From 1997 to April of 2006, Jimmy was the bassist and one of the vocalists for one of Indiana's favorite bands, Governor Davis and the Blues Ambassadors. Jimmy has been a private bass instructor since 1990, and when he is not in the studio or on the road with The Kelly Richey Band, he teaches at the Music Station in Avon, Indiana. In addition to teaching and playing non-stop, Jimmy has had acting parts in commercials for “Meijers,” “MasterCard,” and “Gatorade” (with Peyton Manning) and has appeared in an independent feature film titled "Bound By Blood". Jimmy has also appeared in print ads and provided voice-overs.

Jimmy's influences include Willie Dixon, James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, Geddy Lee, Duck Dunn, Gene Simmons, Verdine White, Paul McCartney, Rocco Prestia, Bootsy Collins, Victor Wooten and “anyone and everyone I’ve ever seen play bass." Jimmy also notes many performers as an influence. In particular guitarist like Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan. "Cats that just get up there without fear...open themselves up and leave it all on the stage...."

Jimmy joined The Kelly Richey Band in 2005, bringing his particular groove to this phenomenal trio.