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Check out Dan Balmer's latest recording, IF WE NEVER MEET AGAIN, and you'll understand why he is the defining sound of contemporary jazz guitar ln the Northwest. Described by the Los Angeles Times as "the model of what a contemporary jazz guitarist should be," and 20th Century Guitar as "One of America's finest fusion players, " Dan has become a unique voice on the national scene. 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, but 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 (CMG), is a groundbreaking record which has received universal praise and critical reviews. The Oregonian describes Balmer's latest music 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 descibed as "a peer of such path-breaking artists as Pat Metheny, 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 complexties 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 thereafter left the Grant band to pursue his solo career full time and focus on promoting his own unique brand of contemporary jazz. Even while a member of Grant's band Dan has always led his own groups, from straight ahead organ trios to his avante garde ensemble, ESP. In January of 1989, Balmer released his first solo recording, BECOMING BECAME, on CMG records. JazzIz Magazine proclaimed BECOMING BECAME "oneofthe best recordings of 1989." The Oregonlan 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, DONT 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 showcases his original guitar stylings in musical settings spanning the contemporary jazz spectrum from a new "folkjazz" 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 tasty octave work . . . were most satisfying." The Anchorage Daily News praised Balmer at local performances saying, "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. Recently he has collaborated on various television specials for National Public Broadcasting. When describing his music Balmer states, "My goal is to write music in a way 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." |