ABOUT

IBMF 4 San Francisco, Ca 2010
Performance photo captured by the talented Mike Melnyk!
www.mikemelnyk.com

A little about me... 

From an early age I had a call to the ranks of rhythm—from beating on my mom’s coffee table, to leading a 60 piece drum corps in middle school, to catching the bug of Hambone or Body Percussion after seeing my cousin Todd Barber doing the Hambone when I was in high school. I knew at that moment that it was something I HAD to do! (For me that was beside the fact, that it was also cool!)

I have concluded that I don't have rhythm so much as—Rhythm has me; but I have gone with it willingly, and it has taken me far geographically, to: North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; New York; Laytonville; Oakland; Boston; San Francisco; and last year, as far as Istanbul, Turkey. 

In high school 1977, my best friend Russ Beineke picked up a Jaw Harp off of his dresser and made a 'twang' sound.  I Immediately knew this was MY instrument. Once I purchased one of my own, I practiced feverishly until I mastered it! 

I have given much joy to the hearts of people who have watched me play this amazing instrument! From small babies to our most senior lovers of music... I observe the mesmerized looks on the faces of people...This has fueled me to the status of play that I have today. I have also had the privilege of recording with several talented artists. 

Inspired by 'E'! What is 'E' you might ask... Oh that is Encouragement! We all need it and it makes life worthwhile. I love to share my art as a performer, and I feel it is my duty to ''give back" out of what has been given to me. 

— SlapJazzDanny