Widely regarded as one of the finest acts in the country, Sal Valentine and The Babyshakes are a ten piece ensemble dedicated to the performance of their lead singer's originally-penned rhythm and soul repertoire. Essentially the AC/DC of jazz, the band sets the bar for thrilling, inspired live performance. Since the release of their top-ten charting debut album, the Babyshakes have indulged audiences at Camp a Low Hum, On The Lawn, Chronophonium, Splore and at select venues befitting of their exhilarating live set.
Sal Valentine & The Babyshakes are a throwback to a time when instruments were real, bands were big, live performance really mattered and musicians in dapper suits had soul. Sal and his group of merry men and woman have performed for us on a number of occasions and never fail to bring it. Big stage presence, big horns, big personalities and real jive. Our crowds have responded to intimate and larger format shows with the same enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for this slick live act. These guys are the business.
— Johnny De Monchy, Britomart Hospitality Co.
We first booked Sal Valentine & the Babyshakes for On The Lawn back in 2015. Aside from the amazing performance, they were extremely easy to work with and absolute professionals with their delivery, we've subsequently booked them for a number of events since.
— Rachelle Duffy, Little Big Events
Everybody Get Loose
Drink Until I Pass Out
She Ain't No Good
Get Gone
You Are The Cutest
I Ain't Seen Nothing Like You
Warning Baby
We're Gonna Have A Ball
Dirty Rascal
Polish born pianist and keyboardist Michal Martyniuk is no stranger to the Auckland music scene. Based in New Zealand since 2007 and the holder of a degree in Jazz Performance from Auckland University, Michal has also performed with notable New Zealand musicians including vocalist Tama Waipara and Lewis McCallum as well as playing with bands Sola Rosa, Batucada Sound Machine and holding the keyboard chair in the Nathan Haines Band since 2014, playing piano, fender rhodes and a range of synthesisers.