Ike and Val
Miami, Florida, United States | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
Ike and Valerie Woods, known professionally as Ike and Val, are a blues band rolled up into one outrageously entertaining couple. If you think you know the blues, baby, you have to check out this couple when they perform.
The Miami couple performs a great deal throughout the south, but if youre lucky enough you can attend one their performances from the Miami area to Palm Beach County.
They are currently concentrating their efforts in performing at concerts, festivals and corporate parties and they just returned from Spain where they performed to almost sold-out audiences at auditoriums in Madrid and Barcelona.
They have been performing together for more than 12 years at blues festival all over the USA, and hve appeared at the Gardens in Dolphin Stadium with such legends as the Rippingtons, O'Jays, Billy Paul, Delphonics, Intruders, Dorothy Moore, Barbara Mason, Nestor Torres, Shirley Caesar, and many more.
"We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve," Val said. "It's not about us. It's about the people we serve."
Original article with pictures pg.95-96 - Miami Living Magazine - Spring 2007
by Strings
I’ve always liked Ike and Val Woods’ work. Known professionally as just “Ike & Val,” the duo has proven to be a dependable staple in the southern music market. Adept at a number of styles, including R&B, soul and gospel, the couple always exudes a joyful vibe in their music—the kind of vibe that forces you to have a good time, no matter what your mood when you got there. And, just a quick conversation with them will tell you they’re good people, as well as being extremely talented. In my book, that’s a “can’t miss” combination.
On their latest project, “Ike & Val Live @ Tobacco Road” [One Ocean Inc. Records/Phat Sound Promotions], the talented two have decided to tackle another genre— the blues—wholeheartedly. For this outing, the duo has assembled a smoking band that includes Stevie Jackson on drums, Kirk Green on bass, Hugh Hitchcock on keyboards, Milton Mustafa and Dale Rains on saxes and Ted Zimmerman on trumpet. Of course Ike & Val share the vocal duties, while Ike plays the additional, and all-important role of guitarist.
This 12-song set consists of tried and true blues standards covered in Ike & Val’s own fun-loving style, mixed in with a couple of originals by the pair.
The CD starts off with an energetic, wah-wah pedal driven version of John Lee Hooker’s classic burner, “Boom, Boom, Boom.” From the beginning, it’s evident that the star of the show here is Ike’s smoldering guitar playing. He alternately channels Hooker, Hendrix and Albert Collins with his stinging, yet soulful playing. Mustafa also steps in with a fiery solo on alto sax while the rhythm section drives home the point in true blues boogie style. Interestingly, the song credits have been given to A.B. Quintanilla III, Luigi Girlado and Cruz Martinez. Don’t ask me why, but interestingly, Quintanilla, Girlado and Martinez were the band behind the late Tejano superstar Selena’s rise, with A.B. being her brother and producer and Martinez her husband and genius guitar player in the band. I mention that, because this rendition of the Hooker standard reminds me of another one of my favorite rocking bands—Los Lobos, who have made a reputation playing everything from traditional norteña to blues and just flat out rock and roll. This is good stuff!
Second is a burning take on Willie Dixon’s “Ain’t Superstition,” made popular by the great Howlin’ Wolf. While Wolf’s version had an ominous, almost frightening bent, the band, with Val leading, turns this into a party tune, inviting the pretty woman in the audience to get on stage to dance, have fun and entertain the audience. In addition to Ike turning in a stellar guitar solo, Hitchcock fires it up on organ. And check out the nice ending arrangement.
Val stays up front, this time moving into Etta James territory with her rendition of “Something’s Got A Hold of Me.” Ike’s playing, once again, is outstanding. Why this guy isn’t mentioned at the top rank of modern blues guitarists is a mystery to me. And, of course, Val is killing as the front person on this.
The group moves on to an original composition for the next hit, with the funky, 12-minute, 18-second “Still Love You.” Val wrings tons of passion out of the vocal, while the band steps through some beautiful changes, Ike leading the charge on guitar. Of course, clocking in at almost a quarter of an hour, there’s plenty of room for solos. Zimmerman gets a chance to really shine on flugelhorn, followed by Rains (who’s short solo is sweet, but unfortunately, is somewhat buried in the mix) and Mustafa, who is soulful and nimble, Hitchcock, who delivers nicely and Green, who takes a smoking smooth-jazz style ride on bass. Ike closes out the solos with a cookin’ rock-inflected solo. Oh, yeah, did I mention Val’s vocals? Check her out at the end.
Speaking of rock, it’s appropriate that Ike is pictured on the cover playing a white Fender Stratocaster— reminiscent of the one Jimi Hendrix used to play. After another tasteful original, “Spinnin’ Round & Round” (whoa, check out Ike’s playing here!), the group moves on to cover a Hendrix blues classic, “Red House.” Ike quotes the famous Hendrix opening before turning the tune into his own thing. Val kicks up the vocal a full two notches from where Hendrix originally did the thing and Ike brings it. This is another long one (9:24), so the band gets to shine again, making this one a really fun piece. Of course Ike really cuts up. And, Val takes some nice liberties with the lyrics making them truly the blues.
One of the slickest tunes on the record is another Ike & Val penned composition—“Don’t Play With Me Like That.” Clever lyrics and a nice groove make this one a really fun outing.
The record closes with some interesting choices including the Hal Davis, Berry Gordy, Bob West and Willie Hutch penned “I’ll Be There,” that was a stellar hit for the Jackson 5 with young Michael in the lead. Here, it serves as a lovely tribute without seeming forced or heavy-handed. Ike, aga - Frost Illustrated
by Strings
I’ve always liked Ike and Val Woods’ work. Known professionally as just “Ike & Val,” the duo has proven to be a dependable staple in the southern music market. Adept at a number of styles, including R&B, soul and gospel, the couple always exudes a joyful vibe in their music—the kind of vibe that forces you to have a good time, no matter what your mood when you got there. And, just a quick conversation with them will tell you they’re good people, as well as being extremely talented. In my book, that’s a “can’t miss” combination.
On their latest project, “Ike & Val Live @ Tobacco Road” [One Ocean Inc. Records/Phat Sound Promotions], the talented two have decided to tackle another genre— the blues—wholeheartedly. For this outing, the duo has assembled a smoking band that includes Stevie Jackson on drums, Kirk Green on bass, Hugh Hitchcock on keyboards, Milton Mustafa and Dale Rains on saxes and Ted Zimmerman on trumpet. Of course Ike & Val share the vocal duties, while Ike plays the additional, and all-important role of guitarist.
This 12-song set consists of tried and true blues standards covered in Ike & Val’s own fun-loving style, mixed in with a couple of originals by the pair.
The CD starts off with an energetic, wah-wah pedal driven version of John Lee Hooker’s classic burner, “Boom, Boom, Boom.” From the beginning, it’s evident that the star of the show here is Ike’s smoldering guitar playing. He alternately channels Hooker, Hendrix and Albert Collins with his stinging, yet soulful playing. Mustafa also steps in with a fiery solo on alto sax while the rhythm section drives home the point in true blues boogie style. Interestingly, the song credits have been given to A.B. Quintanilla III, Luigi Girlado and Cruz Martinez. Don’t ask me why, but interestingly, Quintanilla, Girlado and Martinez were the band behind the late Tejano superstar Selena’s rise, with A.B. being her brother and producer and Martinez her husband and genius guitar player in the band. I mention that, because this rendition of the Hooker standard reminds me of another one of my favorite rocking bands—Los Lobos, who have made a reputation playing everything from traditional norteña to blues and just flat out rock and roll. This is good stuff!
Second is a burning take on Willie Dixon’s “Ain’t Superstition,” made popular by the great Howlin’ Wolf. While Wolf’s version had an ominous, almost frightening bent, the band, with Val leading, turns this into a party tune, inviting the pretty woman in the audience to get on stage to dance, have fun and entertain the audience. In addition to Ike turning in a stellar guitar solo, Hitchcock fires it up on organ. And check out the nice ending arrangement.
Val stays up front, this time moving into Etta James territory with her rendition of “Something’s Got A Hold of Me.” Ike’s playing, once again, is outstanding. Why this guy isn’t mentioned at the top rank of modern blues guitarists is a mystery to me. And, of course, Val is killing as the front person on this.
The group moves on to an original composition for the next hit, with the funky, 12-minute, 18-second “Still Love You.” Val wrings tons of passion out of the vocal, while the band steps through some beautiful changes, Ike leading the charge on guitar. Of course, clocking in at almost a quarter of an hour, there’s plenty of room for solos. Zimmerman gets a chance to really shine on flugelhorn, followed by Rains (who’s short solo is sweet, but unfortunately, is somewhat buried in the mix) and Mustafa, who is soulful and nimble, Hitchcock, who delivers nicely and Green, who takes a smoking smooth-jazz style ride on bass. Ike closes out the solos with a cookin’ rock-inflected solo. Oh, yeah, did I mention Val’s vocals? Check her out at the end.
Speaking of rock, it’s appropriate that Ike is pictured on the cover playing a white Fender Stratocaster— reminiscent of the one Jimi Hendrix used to play. After another tasteful original, “Spinnin’ Round & Round” (whoa, check out Ike’s playing here!), the group moves on to cover a Hendrix blues classic, “Red House.” Ike quotes the famous Hendrix opening before turning the tune into his own thing. Val kicks up the vocal a full two notches from where Hendrix originally did the thing and Ike brings it. This is another long one (9:24), so the band gets to shine again, making this one a really fun piece. Of course Ike really cuts up. And, Val takes some nice liberties with the lyrics making them truly the blues.
One of the slickest tunes on the record is another Ike & Val penned composition—“Don’t Play With Me Like That.” Clever lyrics and a nice groove make this one a really fun outing.
The record closes with some interesting choices including the Hal Davis, Berry Gordy, Bob West and Willie Hutch penned “I’ll Be There,” that was a stellar hit for the Jackson 5 with young Michael in the lead. Here, it serves as a lovely tribute without seeming forced or heavy-handed. Ike, aga - Frost Illustrated
Discography
These CDs are available @ ITunesamazon.com, CD Baby and all digital stores. Our new CD will be available this summer! Watch out!
Spinning Round & Round
It's My My Time Now
I Believe in You
Live at Tobacco Rd.
I Remember Niema
Down Home and Delicious
Christmas Chocolates and You (My Three Favorite Things)
Coming Home (gospel instrumental)
Photos
Bio
Grammy nominated Ike and Val Woods continue to WOW audiences around the world . The couple has a high energy, electifying live show that always gets the crowd moving. Ike's guitar style is a combination of B. B., Jimmy Hendrix, George Benson, and Roy Clark all mixed together with The Ike Woods Spice. His singing is soulful with a touch of the Otis Redding Power. Val singing has the essence of Ella, Aretha, Etta James and a dash of Nancy Wilson complimented with her own distinct style. Please view our videos on youtube/search Ike and Val!
The duo just opened for Gil Scott, Ramsey Lewis, KEM and MC Lyte. They have shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Gill Scott, Ramsey Lewis, KEM, Doug E Fresh, Bobby Blue Bland, Shemekia Copeland, the Whispers, Tommy Castro, Deanna Bogart, Eddie Cotton Jr., Jonathan Butler, David Sanborne, Oleada Adams, Earl Klugh, Betty Wright, Nester Torres, the Ruppingtons, Poncho Sanchez, the OJays and Shirley Caesar. Ike and Val opened for the Delphonics, Billy Paul, Barbara Mason, Carl Carlton, Dorothy Moore, Major Harris, the Persuaders, and the Intruders at the Office Depot Center.
Much of their music is aired in USA, Spain, Italy, France, Macedonia, Norway, England, Belgium, Brazil, Russia,Alaska, Argentina, Middle East, Africa, etc..
In Spain, Ike and Val toured with the Cotton Club
Revue where they performed at Lope de Vega Theatre in Madrid and headlined the Barcelona Auditorium to a packed house. The duo performed at the first annual Jazz in the Garden at the Dolphin Stadium with legends: The Rippingtons and Nestor Torres. They are the 2006-2007 winners of the Monterey Blues Battle of the Bands. There they opened and performed; a second show at the 2007 Monterey Blues Festival show to an audience of 30 to 40 thousand. Let Love Come Through, an original composition, was selected to score the indie film Peroxide Passion written and directed by Monty Diamond! You can enjoy their music while flying Airtran, ExpressJet, Frontier and JetBlue Airlines. Some of the digital Music services that feature their music are Sirius, Rhapsody, Live 365 and XM satellite radio.
Ike and Val are just releasing their new single, "Tell Me Why" and they are in the studio working on their next single, "Steighten it out".
Val Woods is a published author. Her children's books (which she also illustrated) "Princess Portia's Enchanted Journey" and "Honey Bun goes to Heaven" can be found @ amazon kindle, ebooks, Barnes&Noble nook, publishamerica.com & ikeandval.com.
Great things are happening for Ike and Val!!!
Contact info: 305 528-8045/305 496-0150
Band Members
Links