New Encounters

A group of eclectic, accomplished musicians with diverse musical backgrounds, New Encounters Band takes their audience into uncharted territory with a mixture of Jazz, Gospel, R&B and Soul. Ranging from styles such as Jazz, Classical, Funk, Country, Hip-Hop, Salsa, and Soul, the members of New Encounters have gained extensive experience performing all genres of music. New Encounters has performed at numerous events throughout Virginia and surrounding localities, at weddings, birthday parties and various other special events since the group was formed.

New Encounters band is comprised of several talented musicians. Individually, New Encounters members have performed with various different groups and Grammy Award winning artists that have taken them across the world to perform on tours and have recorded alongside artists such as Solomon Burke, Earl Bynum, Cora Armstrong, DeeDee Bridgewater, Joye B. Moore, Dave Douglas, The K.G Experience, Allen Vizzutti, Evolution of the Groove, VCU Black Awakening Choir, VSU Gospel Chorale, and many more.

Started in 2006 by Nelson Valentine, keyboard/piano; Durrell Valentine, alto sax; and Rakie Taylor, drums; New Encounters began playing various events and banquets as a nameless jazz trio. During this time is when the then trio honed their skills, individual sound as a band, and work ethic. Though only playing as a straight ahead jazz trio fresh out of high school, the group gained more and more requests to play other styles of music.  Over the next two years the band would expand and add several new members that Nelson met from attending Virginia Commonwealth University.  It was during this time that everyone decided that a name was needed for the newly renovated and refreshed image.

New Encounters got its name as a joke from new alto saxophonist Eric Short.  When asked at a band hangout what the band should be called Eric said the first thing that popped in his mind…NEW ENCOUNTERS.  From that day forward the band has been going by the name.