Dean Vallecillo Dare Force Firepower Album photo shoot 1988 By Allen Beaulieu
Artist Overview
Name: Dean Vallecillo
Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
Genres: Melodic Hard Rock, Progressive Rock, Jazz, Adult Contemporary, Christian Crossover, New Orleans R&B
Instruments: Lead and Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar
Current Project: Visionary Man (Unreleased, Recorded 1989–1992, Reviewed April 26, 2025)
Upcoming Release: Mardi Gras Single – “Carnival In Your Soul” b/w “Slow Walk Down Esplanade” (2026, LP Vinyl in Purple, Green, Gold)
Contact: [dvisionary27@gmail.com]
Dean Vallecillo is a musical chameleon, born in the heart of New Orleans’ vibrant soundscape. A powerhouse vocalist and bassist, Dean’s career spans progressive rock, melodic hard rock, Jazz, Christian Crossover, and soon, a return to his roots with New Orleans-inspired R&B and the brass band-driven sounds of Mardi Gras. From his early days in the 1970s prog scene to his work with bands like Heyoka, Winterkat, and Dare Force, Dean has crafted a legacy of bold songwriting and electrifying performances. His rediscovered album Visionary Man (2025) is a melodic hard rock gem, lauded as “timeless” by critics. Next, Dean will be back in New Orleans in the near future, collaborating with local musician friends for a vibrant Mardi Gras single, “Carnival In Your Soul,”, set for release in 2026 or 27. With a career fueled by resilience and soul, Dean Vallecillo's music continues to inspire and uplift.
Biography
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dean Vallecillo grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical tapestry, which includes Jazz, Zydeco, Funk, Soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. By age 5, he was singing, and at 13, he picked up the bass guitar, diving into the progressive rock wave of the 1970s. Influenced by Chris Squire, Greg Lake, and John Wetton, Dean honed his skills as a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter, developing a commanding stage presence that set him apart.
In 1983, Dean joined San Antonio’s Heyoka, a Jethro Tull-Kansas hybrid with a Ted Nugent edge, and hit the road opening for acts like Night Ranger and Molly Hatchet. After Heyoka disbanded, he and two other Heyoka alumni (Gerardo Ramirez and Mike Grothues) joined Jonathan Grell’s Winterkat. This prog-metal outfit recorded the acclaimed EP The Struggle (1985) and opened for bands like Yngwie Malmsteen and Zebra. In 1987, Dean relocated to Minneapolis, joining Brian Bart’s Brian Bart Project and later Dare Force, contributing to the iconic Firepower album (1989).
Dean’s brainchild, Visionary Man, recorded between 1989 and 1992 at Logic Recording, showcased his songwriting prowess with tracks like the autobiographical title track and the powerful “All Come Home Again.” Despite its brilliance, the album was shelved as Grunge dominated the airwaves. Throughout the 1990s, Dean explored Jazz, AOR, and Christian crossover. In 2003, a Dare Force re-release sparked renewed interest in his work with the inclusion of the song “All Come Home Again” off the still unreleased Visionary Man album as a bonus track. In 2023, Visionary Man’s “Defiant” was featured as the title track on Melodicrock.com’s compilation #14, prompting Dean, with the help of Andrew MacNeice, to release the VM album in its entirety in 2025.
Discography
Visionary Man ( Recorded 1989–1992, Released 2025)
Track Listing:
Small Change (Instrumental)
Visionary Man
Fantasy Satisfier (Spooky Tooth Cover)
Heart and Soul
Eyes on You
Hold On
All Come Home Again
Defiant
Never Cry Again
What Love Should Be
The Line in My Hand
One Big Change
Key Collaborators: Brian Bart (Guitar), Paul Peterson (Drums), Greg Herzenach (Guitar), Mark Westlund (Backing Vocals), JP Smith (Backing Vocals), Steve Hayes (Keyboards), Donnie La Marca (Piano and Keyboards)
Highlights: “Visionary Man” (autobiographical anthem), All Come Home Again (a melodic hard rock ghost story) “The Line in My Hand” (Hemingway-inspired epic), “Defiant” (Melodicrock.com Compilation #14 Title Track, 2023)
Other Notable Releases:
- The Spirit of Revelation (Heyoka 1983)- Bass, Vocals, Songwriter (“Taking Notes/ Feel It”) “mislabeled on Spotify as Video Madness”
- The Spirit of Revelation (Heyoka 1983)- Bass, Backing Vocals, Songwriter (“Danger Stranger”) “mislabeled on Spotify as The Trilogy”
- The Struggle (Winterkat, 1985) – Bass, Backing Vocals, Co-Writer (“Someone’s Calling/ Scared Heart/ Cold the Blade”)
- Firepower (Dare Force, 1989) – Bass, Backing Vocals, Songwriter (“Stand Alone,” “Hold on Tight”)
- Firepower (Dare Force 1989)- Bass, Backing Vocals Co-Writer (“Firepower/ Name of the Game)
- Napa Crossroads (David Pack 2013) Fretless Bass Guitar (Wine Country Cowboy) song by Shane Soldinger.
- Christian Crossover Tracks (1996–2008): “I Will Become,” “Code for Love,” “Wash Over Me”
- Jazz/Adult Contemporary (2008) “One Small Piece,” “Barefoot on The Beach,” “Alive Again,” “I Am,” “Far and Away”
Press Quotes
“Visionary Man is a tragedy of timing, a record that deserved to conquer the airwaves but fell victim to the flannel-clad revolution. Yet, listening in 2025, it feels timeless—a reminder of when rock was bold, heartfelt, and unafraid to dream big.” – Music Critic, 2025.
“Dean’s vocals snarl with the bitterness of leaving New Orleans behind… a middle finger to small-town limits, as personal as it is universal.” – Album Review, 2025
“A lost gem of melodic hard rock… for fans of melodic hard rock and prog, this is a must-hear, dig it out, crank it up, and let it pull you out to sea.” – Music Critic, 2025
Live Performances
Dean has performed across the U.S., from New Orleans to San Antonio, Houston to Minneapolis, opening for acts like Night Ranger, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Savatage. Recent performances in Napa, California, include his two-year stint with Napa’s favorite Americana band of Vintners, The Silverado Pick Ups. Shows Dean played at this time include sharing stages with David Pack (Ambrosia), Brian Culbertson, and Billy Dean as well as Paul Overstreet, Deana Carter, and Rhapsody in Rock’s Robert Wells, along with an opening slot for the late Leon Russel. At this part of Dean’s career, he also cut several bass tracks for a future Pickups release. One song in particular, “Wine Country Cowboy,” was later released on David Pack's album “Napa Crossroads” featuring. Country Artists Jimmy Wayne and Doyle Dykes. Known for his commanding stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, Dean continues to perform selectively while developing new material.
Social Media & Contact
Website: [dvisionarymusic.com]
Social media:
Press Inquiries: [Dean Vallecillo at dvisionary27@gmail.com]
Upcoming Projects
Dean is returning to New Orleans to record a vibrant Mardi Gras single, set for release in 2026 or 27 on LP vinyl in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. The project includes:
“Carnival In Your Soul”: A traditional New Orleans brass band-driven Mardi Gras song with an infectious sing-along chorus, embodying Dean’s philosophy: “Sometimes in life, you just have to make your own Mardi Gras parade.”
“Slow Walk Down Esplanade”: A comedic, upbeat R&B track with a horn section, telling the story of a 13-year-old boy’s failed attempt to woo a 16-year-old girl, learning “there’s plenty of fish in the sea.”
“Alive Again”: An intricate and powerful (DRUMS OUT FRONT) blend of Rock, Jazz Fusion, and Prog with a soulful vocal approach, reflecting on faith and renewal.
Recording with a group of New Orleans musician friends, this project celebrates Dean’s roots and the city’s enduring spirit. This additional music is in development for a potential 2027 release.
What’s next for Dean Vallecillo?
Dean Vallecillo is a musical storyteller whose journey from New Orleans to the national stage embodies passion and perseverance. His rediscovered Visionary Man showcases his melodic hard rock prowess, while his upcoming Mardi Gras single captures the soul of his hometown. With a career spanning Prog Rock, Jazz, Christian crossover, and now New Orleans R&B, Dean’s versatility and heartfelt songwriting resonate with diverse audiences. This is an artist whose music brings joy, defiance, and celebration to life. What's next after Carnival in Your Soul is released? Who knows, Visionary Man II, anyone?
Note: For any additional media assets, updated contact details, or specific promotional needs, please reach out to [Dean Vallecillo at dvisionary27@gmail.com]. Enjoy Visionary Man and join Dean Vallecillo on his other musical expeditions!
Press photos
