Artist description Dan Balmer: "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be" LA Times

Music Style Jazz

Similar Artists Mike Stern,Bill Frissell,George Benson,Pat Metheney,John Scofield,Larry Carlton,Lee Ritenour,John Abercrombie,Al Di Meola,Steve Laury,Kevin Eubanks,Jim Hall,Scott Henderson,Russ Freeman,Larry Coryell.

Artist History Check out Dan Balmer's latest recording, CHANGE OF HEART, and you'll understand why he is the defining sound of the Northwest in contemporary jazz guitar. Described by the L.A.Times as "the model of what a contemporary guitarist should be", Dan is the hottest fusion artist to appear on the national scene from the Pacific Northwest. Balmer has performed with an impressive line of talented musicians including Andy Narrel, Jim Pepper, David Friesen, Glen Moore, Jessica Williams and the late Red Mitchell. He is best known for his collaboration with keyboardist Tom Grant, with whom he toured and recorded for over ten years. Of note, Dan also composed some of Grant's most popular songs. IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN, released in October of 1998 in association with Chase Music Group (CMP), is a groundbreaking record which has received universal praise in critical reviews. The Oregonian described NEVER as "hot…reaching new peaks…real jazz that achieves the clarity and emotional directness of the best pop music…a terrific record." Balmer is also described as "a peer of such path-breaking artists as Pat Methany, Bill Frisell and Marc Johnson." Rick Mitchell of The Houston Chronicle states, "IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN" is what contemporary jazz should be." 5/4 Magazine in Seattle concludes that "the result is coherent and provocative compositions that are melodic and accessible on a surface that is sustained by deeply coiled complexities of time and harmony." Dan, a native of Portland, Oregon was voted "Portland's Best Guitarist" by the Portland Music Association in 1993 and soon there after left the Tom Grant Band to pursue his solo career and focus on promoting his own unique brand of contemporary jazz. In January of 1989, Balmer released BECOMINGBECAME on CMG records. Jazziz Magazine proclaimed BECOMING BECAME "one of the best recordings of 1989." The Oregonian found it "…thoughtful and melodic, the album's true virtue lies in Balmer's seemingly effortless runs between Wes Montgomery cool, whipsaw rock athleticism, and a kind of post modern jazz sound that is distinctly his own."Balmer's second CMG recording, released in March 1990 titled, DON'T FORGET THE WAY HOME, features the Dan Balmer Trio with Diana Ross' keyboardist George Mitchell and drummer Chris Lee. Balmer returns to his more straight ahead jazz roots in this outing. Keyboard Magazine called it "delightful". The Houston Chronicle proclaimed that "…DON'T FORGET THE WAY HOME should help establish Balmer's place in the front rank of contemporary jazz guitarists. "MUSIC", Dan's third recording, was released in January of 1991. In this effort, he combines accessible pop sounds with jazz sensibilities and begins coming into his own. The Oregonian writes, "From tender lyricism in the standard Body and Soul to the fretboard fire of The Untitled Fusion Tune it all sounds distinctly like Dan Balmer." MUSIC was immediately successful and received a great deal of radio support, appearing on over 400 stations worldwide. Dan's fourth CMG recording, I HOPE SO, was released in September of 1994 and show cased his original guitar stylings in musical settings spanning the contemporary jazz spectrum from the new "folk-jazz" approach to a modern urban sound. In performances across the country Balmer's playing has consistently won enthusiastic praise. The Palm Beach Post wrote, "…guitarist Dan Balmer played exceptionally fast-fingered runs and twisting figures that were arresting." The Seattle Times proclaimed, "Balmer's top fuel solos and octave work…were most satisfying. "The Ancorage Daily News stated, "Balmer turned in a top notch, unstinting performance." When not performing locally, touring or recording, Dan focuses his energy on composing. His works have appeared on television, in movies and have been choreographed by Ballet Oregon. Most recently, Dan has been composing for National Public Broadcasting. When describing his music Balmer states, "My goal is to write music in away that reaches people on a tangible, emotional level and yet leaves room for improvisation that makes each performance a unique expression for the audience to hear."

Group Members Dan Balmer

Instruments Guitar

Albums Becoming Became, Don't Forget The Way Home, Music, I Hope So, If We Never Meet Again,Change Of Heart

Press Reviews See History.

Location Portland, OR - USA

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