Dan grew up in Seattle, Washington, where he learned to hide from the rain, compile an awesome collection of flannel T-shirts, and build igloos in the snow. The son of an opera singer and a research scientist, Dan grew fond of music and creativity at a young age.
Dan first started playing guitar at age 12, learning as many Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath tunes as possible. This continued to progress into the early 90s and the heyday of Seattle grunge scene. After transcribing Nirvana's "Nevermind" album in its entirety along with Pearl Jam's "Ten" during freshman year of high school, Dan knew all he ever needed to know about the guitar and retired.
After a lengthy 3-month hiatus Dan's first teacher and musical mentor, David O'Suna, gave him a copy of "Wes Montgomery Plays the Blues" and John Coltrane's "Giant Steps". Dan's life now took a turn for the better as he realized he would be embarking on a life long journey of musical exploration and improvisation.
After graduating from Shorecrest High School in 1995 Dan earned a scholarship to the University of North Texas's College of Music. While in college he was able to study and play with notable musicians such as Fred Hamilton, Dan Hearle, Ed Soph, Mike Stern, Joe Diorio, Ron Eschete, Wayne Krantz, Dave Liebman and many others. At UNT Dan received a world-class education in jazz and classical performance, composition, arranging, and barbecue.
Dan's passion for music has led him to tour all over the country playing primarily with jazz, blues, rock, funk, singer songwriters, and jam bands. His passion for music is equally paired with his enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors, which is why he spent the past 20 years at the edge of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, CO.
After a lengthy hiatus Dan as recently relocated to Seattle where he continues his musical journey as a performer and educator.
