Danny Green

San Diego native Danny Green has managed to carve out a place for himself in the lineup of young jazz artists who have a pulse on keeping the tradition of jazz piano and composition alive while stepping boldly into the future. According to JazzReview.com, “Danny Green is what evolution in jazz is all about, expressing the traits of those that came before him, with a style and panache that is all his own...an individual who expresses what is inside of him.”



Well versed in Classical, Jazz and Latin styles, Green began his musical studies by listening to his father play violin and studying piano at the age of five. First inspired by Ruben Gonzalez, he shifted his attention towards Jazz and Latin music while in high school and never turned back. Green received his B.A. in piano performance from the University of California, San Diego where he graduated with honors and won the Jimmy Cheatham Jazz Award. He received his Master's Degree in Music (Jazz Studies) from San Diego State University in 2011 where he was awarded “Outstanding Graduate Student” along with several scholarships. He has studied with Rick Helzer, Kamau Kenyatta, Anthony Davis, Otmaro Ruiz, Marcos Silva, Jovino Santos-Neto, Guinga, Chico Pinheiro, Edu Ribeiro, and Marcio Bahia and in classical studies with John Mark Harris and Luciane Cardassi. Green also credits California Brazil Camp for developing his understanding of authentic Brazilian style and substance having participated in their program since 2006. Since that time, he has been playing with some top musicians that include Chico Pinheiro, Peter Sprague, Eva Scow, Aaron Serfaty, Duncan Moore, Tripp Sprague, Julien Cantelm and Justin Grinnell.

Green revealed to the world his impressive talents on his 2009 solo debut recording, With You In Mind. As one of the next generations of pianists that offer the kind of depth and passion for music that will quench a jazz lovers thirst, Green knows how to serve it up with intense flavor and an unexpected kick. The San Diego Tribune reviewed his debut recording and described Green as “Equally adept at jazz, classical and various Brazilian styles…but even in its most intricate moments, his music never sacrifices soul for technique or substance for flash.” The album received extensive airplay around the globe rising to #18 on the National Jazz Radio Charts, and won “Best Jazz Album” at the 2009 San Diego Music Awards. Green began working on With You In Mind after producing the Afro-Cuban Jazz inspired album, Past Due (which featured trumpet, bass, drums, percussion and a very young Danny Green). With You In Mind focused on Brazilian influences cradled in mainstream jazz and classical nuances. Aside from “Suite For The Americas,” all of the pieces on this album were original compositions. 


In 2012, Green teamed up with Tapestry Records to release his latest album, A Thousand Ways Home. As on With You In Mind, Green's compositions incorporate Brazilian and Latin as well as jazz and classical influences. In Green's words, “To me, A Thousand Ways Home is about taking various elements from each of these genres and blending them together in my own way.” The core group consists of Green on piano, Justin Grinnell on bass, Julien Cantelm on drums and Tripp Sprague on soprano and tenor saxophone. Green also features an incredibly talented cast of guest artists that include mandolinist Eva Scow on four of the tracks, guitarist Peter Sprague on “Soggy Shoes,” world renowned Brazilian guitarist Chico Pinehiro and Brazilian vocalist Claudia Villela on “Quintal da Solidão” and guitarist Dusty Brough on “Dusty Road - Part II.” The camaraderie shared by the players is obvious. “We had a wonderful time in the recording studio and I hope that joy translates in the music,” says Green.

Green understands the essential nature of jazz and shares his journey with other musicians while continuing his quest for greater musical accomplishments. “I feel fortunate to work with such great musicians that help me realize my musical visions and inspire me to put all I’ve got into the music. One of the things I love about music is that you can always keep aiming higher, and the effort is always worth it.”

Awards:

Best Jazz Album - 2009 San Diego Music Awards Outstanding Graduate Student - SDSU - 2011