Flickr Find: The Cordovox Magic of Valentino

The Cordovox Magic of Valentino, uploaded by letslookupandsmile

What’s not to love about this album cover? The purple cuffs, the pinky ring, the thumbs… and, of course, Valentino’s magical Cordovox. I tried to find a clip from the album, but all I could find was this review of Valentino’s “Live in Las Vegas” CD. I’m pretty sure it’s the same guy, but if anyone has more information about this master of the Cordovox, leave us a comment.

8 Comments:

  1. I’d love to hear this. He looks like another incarnation of Andy Kaufman.

  2. Ha! You’re right; he could be one of Tony Clifton’s cousins.

  3. Valentino is an Irishman who lives in England, travels the world, and was one of the first to make a living playing an electronic accordion. He has worked with everyone on show business from Sinatra to The Beatles. Although a colourful and flamboyant figure, Valentino is in fact a brilliant musician, with great stage presence. I have recently been in contact with him and have written a short biography for inclusion in my forthcoming book ‘An A to Z of the Accordion, Volume 4′.

    Rob Howard

  4. Thanks for the info, Rob! I have no doubt that he’s a great musician — even Myron Floren had a “Disco Polka” phase. We’ll try to hunt down some of his music.

    When’s the next edition of your book due out?

  5. ‘An A to Z of the Accordion, Volume 4′ is due to be published in early May. Valentino’s story will be in there, along with many other biographies plus articles of interest to the accordion enthusiast – too many to list here! My books are available in the US via Henry Doktorski. His website contains full itemised details.

    Rob Howard

  6. the man himself appeared on British TV on the show wheeltappers & shunters club in the mid ’70′s.
    I am trying to track down to see if the 3 DVDs that Network are doing, has the Valentino clip on, as it was mega, and he rocked the audience, worth seeing indeed, and he looked exactly as in this photo, rings cuffs the lot!!!!!
    I have a signed album by him I picked up from a car boot sale many years ago, its mint condition too, I am going to scan it and put on Flickr.
    AD.

  7. i have his reflections album and have uploaded a few tracks onto youtube

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DOkQoHUCyM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_UwoHNHc4E

  8. My Dad has a copy of this record – if any one is interested in buying it just let me know. Great Music

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