When working on my new release in January of 2007 I had a moment. Things in the studio were moving along well and I was loving what I was hearing. After playing back a rough mix of the title cut "Flow" it caused me to stop and take a deep breath. I realized after pouring myself into everybody elses projects, that the decision I made earlier that Fall to pursue a solo project was the right one.
I had a chance to work with some of North Central Ohio's finest musicians. I've been playing in bands since I was a kid and still have less experience than these guys. There was a bit of a learning curve to manage my own group, to relay what I wanted , while at the same time not telling the band how to do what they do. Having spent most of the last ten years opening for some national groups that have toured through North Central Ohio, doing session work, or maybe playing at the local java joint, I'm very excited that my first solo recording project is being well received.
Although my focus is playing my own material, I love being spontaneous and enjoy taking some of my favorites off the radio and working those into my sets as well. Like most musicians I'm a fan as well as a player. I go to the venues I want to play and watch my favorites like Whalum, Braun, Butler. These guys have been out there doin' it for so long, who better to learn from. The title of my debut album "The Flow" speaks volumes about how I work. I like to keep an easy atmosphere and avoid technical issues so I can relax and enjoy what I'm about to do. Often before we play you'll find the band laughing and cutting up, it helps relieve any stress. You gotta have fun or its just another job.
The phrase "The Flow" is something my friend and keyboard player Sid Brown would say often while we were rehearsing for upcoming gigs. He was referring to that moment that happens in a gig when you're clicking...flowing, the moment that reminds you that getting paid is secondary to doing what you love. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by so much wisdom from these musicians. I'm so thankful to have a bench full of great musicians to call on for gigs so that I can provide the atmosphere fans look for.
Grace & Peace,
Denny
"Oh I could do lots of stuff, I just keep coming back to playing". Theres that thing that all of us love to do, that when you do it , you're like "yeah thats it".
Like many people Denny started out in school playing an instrument , " I'm not sure why I chose the saxophone, it just stuck with me all these years". He came from a musical family and pursued music all through high school. After high school Denny decided to attend Ashland University, in Ashland Ohio, as a music education major.
He did not graduate but soon realized where his true passion for music was.
Denny and his new wife then began attending a local church. It didn't take long to get involved. There he began to learn what the heart of music was all about. Over the next ten years he would have many oppurtunities to play with and record for national artists and develop strong friendships with local players.
With the help of keyboard player Garlan McCruter they formed a saxophone/ piano based group called Kaleo. They recorded together and released the project "Lovely Day". Although the Kaleo name is no longer being used, you can still find Garlan playing on Denny's latest project "The Flow".
In 2006 Denny decided to start a solo career and released his latest project the "The Flow" in July of 2007. This project is heating up. The following are some of Denny's thoughts on the making of the project, friends, and playing out...
