I was and still am into what is called West Coast Music--
It's sort of the cool sounds that came (Mostly) out of Los Angeles during the '70s and '80s by bands like Toto, The Doobie Bros (w/Michael McDonald) and Ambrosia.
For a lot of younger people, this music is becoming almost "oldies", but quite frankly, as nostalgic as it now is in the 2000s, it's still my favorite type of music and the type I recently wrote & recorded. I miss really competent musicians writing great songs & fantastic arrangements with live horn sections and strings.
My favorite instrument will always be the Fender Rhodes (Thanks Michael!)-- I know there's a lot of you out there who still love this stuff--
Leave me a message and enjoy my tracks!!!
Sounds Like
Kenny Loggins,
Michael McDonald,
Toto (Bobby Kimball), Bobby Caldwell,
Boz Scaggs,
Michael Sembello,
El DeBarge,
Daryl Hall,
Steve Perry,
PM Peter Mayer- (NOT JOHN),
Gino Vannelli,
David Pack,
Christopher Cross,
Roby Duke,
Richard Page.
“Growing up South of Philadelphia, it was almost impossible not to be affected by the music coming out of Philly-- From the Thom Bell sound (like The Stylistics) to Hall & Oates. I used to stay up all night listening to the local AM station on my transistor radio, hoping Mom and Dad didn’t catch me up past bed-time.”
Daniel has been cutting his teeth on Pop, Soul and Jazz for most of his life. “My oldest brother was a music director at a New York station, so I got a chance to listen to all the promo records from the late ‘70s to early ‘80s.. I heard great West Coast music like Steely Dan’s “Aja” and Ambrosia’s “Life Beyond LA, and I knew I was going to end up in Los Angeles writing and performing this genre of music .”
While at Syracuse University‘s Newhouse School, Daniel studied recording and production, and spent a Summer in LA working at the Bill Schnee Studio, where he met many of his heroes, including David Paich (Toto) and Boz Scaggs., and before long, Daniel had gone West and was playing in local LA bands and spending his free time song writing. Daniel also began performing solo, and won the open mic night contest at the then-famous Hollywood Palomino Club. Daniel also found work in TV, which gave him access to shows like the Grammys and Billboard Awards. There he met Kenny Loggins and Ambrosia’s David Pack. “Their encouragement really helped me finish the Mini-album.”
After writing about a dozen demos, Daniel was ready to go into the studio. “I wanted my music to have a more theatrical flair, so I sought out someone who was really well versed in arranging, as well as standard production.” Daniel met Ed Smart, who scored the music for the Academy Award nominated Documentary “Hank Aaron-- Chasing the Dream”. Their first collaboration was the bitter-sweet ballad “Emily”, the two decided to continue working together and the Mini-album was completed. Daniel and Ed even co-penned the Soul and R&B laced “Madelynn” (Track 1)… a song about an obsessive relationship.
Ed brought many studio professionals in to fill out the sound, including guitarists Nick Brown and Allen Hinds, David Derge on drums and the amazing Vine Street Horn section. “My music as a lot different than the stuff that’s going on out there right now. I really dig great arrangements, horns and strings-- not just straight-ahead guitars and drums. I love great lyrics and melody lines, and I really think a lot of people want to hear music from good Singer/Songwriters.”
Hi Daniel, hope all is well with you? My friend, I truly love your music and I bought another copy of your CD for a friend of mine, as birthday gift. I truly enjoy to support you, you deserve it so much. Best wishes to you and enjoy weekend, your friend and fan - Fred
Hi Daniel, my dear friend, I could receive your first CD and I really enjoy your music, thanks for being you and following your heart my friend. I love all songs, but special I love the song "Camarillo." Without doubt my friend Daniel: this is one of the most beautifulest ballads I ever heared and believe me, I have a huge CD collection. This song made me cry, generally, your music touch my heart and soul my friend. I don't listen to "modern" music, I love "true music", like you sing and play my friend. I look forward to buy your next CD. God bless and best wishes always Daniel, your fan Fred
Hi Daniel, hope you and your family had a good weekend. It's just a little sign of support, I have put you to my top-friends-list. And I will write bulletins tomorrow and make promotion for you my friend. I tell you this just, because I will keep my promises Daniel. Best wishes and until soon my friend. God bless, Fred
Hi Daniel, thanks for the add, welcome. I ordered your CD my friend on CD-Baby and I can't wait to get it. I will let you know, how I enjoy your CD. God bless you my new friend and take care Daniel. You are a huge talented singer / musician. in respect, your new friend Fred
Thank you for the friendship!!!!Nice music on your site!!!Glad to hear your stuff!!!And compliments for your beautiful voice !!!All the best !!!Peace !!!Daniel
Hey, the music is awesome, I always knew you had a great voice, but your stuff blows me away. I am going to have to purchase your cd! I hope all is well with you and your absolutely beautiful family, and I also hope to get to see you again this year. I think David would get a chuckle at that picture himself.
