is a Dallas, TX area keyboardist, vocalist
and songwriter. Dane's distinctive musical approach can been
described simply as multifaceted--he has no interest in labels
or concrete descriptions. Dane, a skillful pianist, is also gifted
with a powerful voice. On his current CD EP, "More Than A Day's
Work," Dane
displays a very melodic, pop infused vocal style akin to Neil
Finn or the quirkiness of Andy Partridge, but if you catch him
live he is equally adept at rock styles that channel Bono and Michael
Hutchence. On the keyboard, Dane listens to a wide variety of sources,
and sometimes they rub off. Giants such as Bill Evans, Wynton Kelly,
Chick Corea, Red Garland, and Kenny Kirkland have found their way
into Dane's jazz skills. The above listed players did not let themselves
be confined by the norm, and that's also what Dane draws from.
On the pop front, there are the conventional influences of Billy Joel, Elton John and Bruce Hornsby, but Dane draws from David Sancious, Chuck Leavell, Nicky Hopkins, Bernard Wright, and Jason Rebello, who are not only piano players, but are adept at Hanmond B-3, clavinet, Rhodes and various synthesizers. After all, Dane grew up in the heavily MIDI-fied 1980s. This versatile musician’s talent not only lies in performance, but in writing, arranging, and production. These talents, showcased in his CD, merge elements of classic and modern British pop along with their American and Australian counterparts.
Dane's nearly 30 years of piano training involved classical, jazz and pop study. He received his degree in Commercial Music from Millikin University in 1992 and a Master's in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas in 1999. During his time in college, Dane sang in the renowned Millikin University Chorus under the direction of the late Richard Holland. At UNT, Dane played in the University Lab Band program, Zebras keyboard ensemble, and various small group organizations.
After college, Dane dove into notation work with his outfit, Sonic Score--Finale-based score, chart and lead sheet realization for original music and arrangements. Along with that, Dane started playing full time in local bands such as Tropix (1996-1997), Groove Posse (1997-1999) Random Axis Band (1999-2006) and Roof Raisers (2006-2007).
In April, 2006 Dane formed a cover band called Reality Bites with the other former members of the Random rhythm section. Dane also puts in time playing keys and singing with Derek Sholl, a Dallas-based country artist.
Dane's original CD has been compared to XTC, Neil Finn, Todd Rundgren, post 1990's Tears For Fears, Brian Wilson and The Beatles. Currently Dane is writing/demoing material for a full-length release.
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