This article appeared in “Que Onda RGV?” October 7th 2005.  It was written by Melissa A. Zamor, Publisher/Editor.  Unfortunately, it is no longer available online, so I have copied it from a print-out. 

 

  San Benito—A conversation with Texas Joe is like having a an extensively thorough  talk with your conscience—it’s a responsive stream to all stimuli.  But, that’s a good thing when he knowingly applies the process to his band’s music. 

  Joes Valles, otherwise known as Texas Joe, is a member of The Valles Flying Machine, a Rio Grande Valley band who’s music is consistent with Rush, Yes, Kings X, U2 and the Police. 

  Though the comparison is there, he touts his music as unique, often borne from his adventures into REM sleep mode.

  “Our music’s inspiration is from the reality I want to exist,” he said.  “The music comes from an alternative reality, generally, science fiction and fantasy.”

  He spouts off such names as Lord of the Rings, War of the Worlds,  and The Chronicles of Narnia as literary catalysts for his lyrical journeys. 

  He is one of a three member band—Guitarist Texas Joe, 40, is accompanied by his brothers:  Bass player Noe Valles, 35, and drummer Eloy Valles, 38. 

  The band isn’t your fly-by-night group.  They were known as The Valles Brothers for 20 years, and just this year they made the imaginative leap to The Valles Flying Machine.

  In 1998 they released CD Tres Hermanos, and in 2000, Valles Brothers II, both bi-lingual.

  The band spent nine years under Hollywood, California’s lights playing in such hotspots as Gazaris on Sunset Strip where bands Steppenwolf,  The Doors and Frank Zappa did their time.  They also played at the Fame Café on Hollywood Boulevard. 

  But a longing to revisit their roots brought them back to Valley ground where they continue their amorous relationship with music. 

  The psychedelic rock trio aims to release a 24 song, double album entitled “Landing Amongst The Giant Mushrooms” by the end of the year.  A taste of the CD is available on their website at www.vallesflyingmachine3.com

  “Love, grief and despair, hopes for the future and a pioneering spirit are a collective theme for this album,” Texas Joe said. 

  Again, it’s also dream-inspired.  The story line revolves around the impending end to Earth.  It’s population will soon implode, and there’s room for half the world’s population to escape to a far away, unconquered (mushroom filled, hence, the album’s name) planet.  A colony of Earth—mostly of Mexican–descent, living along the border—leave the planet on its ship (among many other ships leaving Earth) and continues on an orbit around their hopeful, new planet.  They subsequently send a leading probe scout ship—The Valles Flying Machine—with Texas Joe as the captain, Noe as the engineer and Eloy as the co-pilot.  The story continues, but Que Onda RGV? Will leave the rest to the trio’s imagination. 

  Valles Flying Machine is on a different frame of mind, absolved of accordion music, gritos, and boot-scooting tunes. 

  Their music allows the wind to inherit the Earth.