 He started playing the trombone as a young child, encouraged by his father, who played the same instrument.In the 1970s he studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, with Jaki Byard, and recorded with the conservatory's Jazz Repertory Orchestra.Valente became a prominent figure in contemporary big band jazz, as a member of bands led by Carla Bley, Lester Bowie, Chico O'Farrill, and George Russell.