DanielSadownick.com

Daniel Sadownick grew up in the South Bronx and always knew he wanted to be a musician since the age of five. It was in his teens however, that he really started to take his career choice seriously. Daniel recalls his first fond memories of really immersing himself in the history of jazz. “I was in high school listening to the progressive pop music of the day (Jethro Tull, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, Yes, etc.,) when a friend of mine approached me in the hallway at school and gave me ten different jazz recordings to take home, ranging from Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers’ Moanin’ to John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme. I remember the manner in which just the cover of A Love Supreme hit me – Trane looking so serious and intense. And, of course when I listened to the record that evening the music just blew me away. Later that week, my friend helped me take all of my rock records to the roof of the thirty-three story building we lived in and we threw them off like they were Frisbees and also blew them up with a C02 Cartridge BB Gun he had. I’ll never forget that turning point in my life”.

Daniel would then later go on to earn his Master's Degree in Musical Education at New York University, where he also studied composition. Upon completing his studies, his Professors and Deans admired his creativity and ingenuity and rewarded him with the prestigious Presser Scholarship, only handed out to the one person whom the University felt was the most influential and original at the school during their tenure. Daniel states, “I was shocked, thinking that they would have given the scholarship to a violinist or pianist who was classically trained since childhood. It was then that I knew that I was blessed with a special gift from God and wanted to make a difference with my music in all aspects; artistically, emotionally and spiritually”.

After receiving his MA he then went on to study privately with percussion masters John Amira and the late, great Frankie Malabe. Daniel states: “Frankie was a brother to me, even a father figure. I could call him up at any time of night to discuss music or any other personal matter. He was one of the most revered players and teachers ever to have graced this planet and unfortunately, he passed away in his prime. He was the most melodic player I have ever met, taking the tradition of this wonderful instrument and combining his own inventions with the folklore”. Daniel also studied drum set with the great, master percussionist Andrew Cyrille who played for many years with Cecil Taylor and Coleman Hawkins among others. “Andrew is a complete musician and he leads by example. He guided me in many ways as a leader of my own bands and as a player and composer”.

Amid his studies Mr. Sadownick toured with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra for two years. It was here that Daniel made numerous contacts that would lead to tours and recordings with jazz greats such as: Michael Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Nicholas Payton, Christian McBride, Richard Bona, Nat Adderley, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, Dewey Redman and many others.

A versatile percussionist that does not limit himself to one genre, Daniel has spent the last few years touring and recording with such diverse artists as: Steely Dan, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Idol, Tony, Toni Tone', Maxwell, Angie Stone and Me'shell Ndege'Ocello, Daniel is also a member of the New York based cult band the Screaming Headless Torsos, who were listed as one of the top ten bands in America in Musician Magazine.

Daniel will soon be releasing his long awaited CD. It features all original compositions as well as showcasing the utilization of percussion in a "straight-ahead jazz context." Daniel feels that percussion in jazz at this present stage seems to be limited to a certain style that does not included all the possibilities of the instrument. "I want to include all my influences when I play jazz. That runs the gamut from the Art Ensemble of Chicago to Joe Zawinul; from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. These musicians were torchbearers and pioneers. I hope that my contributions make a statement that is parallel to these exceptional artists. They were consistent in their commitment to bring passion, intensity, and soul to their music. When I would go to see and hear the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Cecil Taylor, Tony Williams, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Cyrille and others of this incredible caliber perform they would be so serious, conscious, and intense in bringing this art form to life in the highest regard. This is the only way that I want to carry myself. It has to be an event – if not, why even show up?”

Daniel also teaches private studies in percussion and is a Professor at New York University where he feels a responsibility to give back to the students what he has learned from the masters and his own experiences. “One thing I try to tell my students is to be aware of the history of jazz but don’t limit yourself to just one genre. I pride myself in knowing that when I hear a jazz recording on the radio that I know who the entire personnel is, what label it was on and what year it was recorded. But, I also enjoy playing other styles of music – it keeps everything fresh and it keeps you on your toes. I actually even have repurchased some of those rock records that I threw off of the roof back in high school. And, living in New York City is a blessing because it is the cultural center of the world. One has access to the many different peoples, styles and music that cover the range of the globe; Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, Rock, Fusion, Classical -- it's all here in this beautiful city. I feel lucky to have been born and raised here."

Daniel Sadownick plays and endorses:
Latin Percussion drums and accessories
Paiste cymbals, gongs and accessories
Vic Firth drumsticks