I started working with Daniel shortly after hearing him sitting in with Jenna Glatt at the museum of Civilization, he was just fifteen years old at the time. I thought his playing and tone was brilliant and when I needed a sax player for a gig I asked him to play with us. The age range in the band was from 15 to 62, and it seemed to be quite appealing to our audience to have a multi generational group.
To my surprise, I find that Daniel seems to evolve almost on a daily/weekly basis, getting better and better. When he hears someone he likes, like when I brought him to meet Hugh O'Connor, he is able to simulate that sound and feeling immediately. His ear are perfectly in tune to what is happening around him, and he always responds appropriately and creatively.
His compositions are fresh, catchy and very enjoyable, three of which are featured on our CD "Modern History". The first cut, "The Secret" is one of those tunes that you cannot stop hearing in your head. You can hear it if you visit our web page at www.modernhistory.co
We started off recording some duo stuff at my place, or Dan's house.Then last January we started with a session at Liverpool Court. We changed studios and continued to record another 3 or 4 sessions at Norm Glaude's place. Norm plays bass on most of the CD and did the recording mixing and mastering. We are both happy about the final results.
We invited Mark Ferguson to a couple of sessions to play piano, and Don Johnson is the drummer. On one session Don couldn't make it so we brought in George Reyes on drums, who did an equally great job.
I find that the music is energetic and relaxing at the same time. It's pretty much traditional jazz, We recorded 6 originals, 3 of Dan's and 3 of mine, and 5 standards. They all sound good. My favorite is Lullaby of Birdland. Feedback that I have received so far, is that it's fresh, it's relaxed, people like to listen to it while they are driving, I want another copy for my brother, great harmonies, great playing.
There is one song that I wrote that features female vocalist, Nicky Broadie, originally from London, England, and who has just moved to Australia. This song is more of a modal piece and is called "La Lueur"
I hope this sheds a little light on the CD and Daniel. He's a genius. His thoughts on music are profound, and I've enjoyed seeing him develop in the short time that I've had the privilege of knowing and working with him.
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