The Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, comprised of Valerie and Benedict Turner, are ambassadors of Country Blues music, the Piedmont style of fingerpicking, and roots percussion. Their mission is to help bring awareness to these unique aspects of African-American culture and the contributions of early blues artists through performing and teaching.
Studying at New York University and the Fashion Institute of Technology led to successful careers in Information Technology for Valerie and Advertising/Graphic Design for Benedict. Retiring early, they now enjoy exploring the world through music, and this husband-and-wife duo is much loved wherever they go.
They feel that "there are stories to tell, people to remember, and things that must be said" so, in addition to tickling your ears with delightful music, they weave a bit of history into the presentation of each song. Aside from performing, the duo enjoys teaching early blues history and hands-on instrument workshops.
Valerie's fingerpicking is reminiscent of the intricate stylings of Mississippi John Hurt, Elizabeth Cotten, and Etta Baker. Although the Piedmont style is her main focus, her repertoire also includes pieces from the Delta Blues tradition. Benedict tastefully accompanies Valerie with a washboard style he developed after being inspired by Newman Taylor Baker, a classically trained drummer, and Washboard Chaz of Louisiana fame. Sometimes, he chimes in on bones or harp.
When they're not busy playing music, you'll find them out and about on skis or snowboards, or perhaps working on dance moves at a roller disco. And when the weather is just right - you might catch a glimpse of them in colorful skinsuits while cycling or inline speedskating. Keeping up with this dynamic musical duo isn't easy!
Inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame in 2018, these tradition bearers have been featured in numerous festivals including the Newport Folk Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Tel Aviv Blues Festival, Clearwater Revival, and Brooklyn Folk Festival to name a few.
In addition to performing at domestic venues, Piedmont Blūz has traveled as far as Europe and the Middle East to share their music.
"The most wonderful thing about Piedmont Blūz is they share the history of the music as well as playing the songs. They're able to do that in a way that doesn't take away from the musical performance, but rather add an educational aspect that blues fans truly love." - JD Nash, Writer: American Blues Scene
"Just when people think the old country blues of the Mid-Atlantic has faded away, along come the wonderful husband and wife duo of Valerie and Benedict Turner who are the heirs to the Piedmont blues tradition. They are known as the duo 'Piedmont Blūz' and play the truehearted, authentic country blues with love. It'll warm your heart. Keep your ears on Piedmont Blūz." - Frank Matheis, Writer: Living Blues
Valerie and Benedict are thrilled to be featured in the award-winning documentary film A Man Called Hurt - The Life & Music of Mississippi John Hurt, especially since the music of Mississippi John Hurt is one of their greatest influences.
Valerie is the Co-President of the Mississippi John Hurt Foundation and Benedict is its Creative Director.
Although Valerie was mentored by the late John Cephas (a world-renowned Piedmont-style guitar player and half of the famed Cephas & Wiggins duo) and credits Cephas for putting the polish on her fingerpicking style, her main inspiration was the music of Mississippi John Hurt.
Being part of this documentary film is especially meaningful for her.
(Watch Trailer)
Piedmont Style Country Blues Guitar Basics, by Valerie Turner, focuses on the Piedmont style of fingerpicking in the context of early blues and traditional pieces.
Acquired by the Library of Congress, this book makes a great addition to any guitar player's collection.
Songs in this book span a variety of keys, tunings, and timings, and are represented using a combination of chord charts, tablature, and standard notation.
The audio download files that accompany the book are an invaluable tool when tackling the timing for difficult passages.
Visit our Merch area to place an order.
(Read Review)
Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo live at Paste Studio on the Road: Brooklyn Folk Festival
Valerie Turner discusses Women of Early Blues Guitar for the Southern Folklife Collection at UNC Library - Chapel Hill
