Dan DeSandro - Pianist
Pianist in Lafayette, LA
Why hire Dan DeSandro - Pianist?
I am a jazz pianist based out of Lafayette, LA. Over 40 years of stage experience as a soloist, with a trio, and too many to name bands of various styles. I have performed across the South, the US, and in Central America.
As a soloist I mix several styles of music into any given song -- I do not work on a set list -- I'll just say that whatever the event calls for I can play it. The same for the trio, although we reference lots of latin jazz and modern jazz.
Willing to go to where the work is. Please review my live samples
Most Excellent!!
I have known Dan for a number of years, both professionally and personally. He is by far one of the most talented musicians I have ever had the pleasure of performing with. I hired him to play for the grand opening of my new office, and he was a huge success. His vast repertoire of tunes runs from Latin Jazz, pop, standards, ballads, to the music of today. I highly recommend him for your next gathering.
Hired by: Stephen M. M.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Organization: Morrow, Gates & Morrow, LLC
Event Date: September 5th, 2003
Event: Grand Opening in Opelousas, Louisiana
Services provided: Jazz Band, Pianist
Great night!
Dan played for a surprise birthday for Curtis The music was great They can play anything,
We also had a lot of fun interacting with the musicians Great night!
Hired by: Sharon M.
- Expertise
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Priced Fairly
- Adaptability
Organization: Moss Motors
Event Date: September 29th, 2012
Event: Birthday Party in Lafayette, Louisiana
Services provided: Caribbean/Island Music, Easy Listening Band, Jazz Band, Latin Jazz Band
About
I am a career musician with 40 plus years of stage, recording and performance experience. My forte is modern and latin jazz piano -- either as a solo artist, working a duo (Bass/Piano or Piano/Guitar) or with my trio (piano, bass, percussion). I also work as a musician for hire in blues and jazz groups.
My education started with private lessons as a youngster. I have honed my chops on stage and have more years than I can count as a student of improvisation and music theory.
Stylistically, I don't emulate any given artist -- I've worked hard at trying to be original in my approach to improvisation and interpretation of songs -- But I do admire the piano work of Chestnut, Silver, the Valdes family, and the great arrangers like Harlow, Grusin, and Puentes.
Local press on my playing:
http://www.theind.com/a-a-e/arts-a-entertainment-stories/11651-desandro-returns-to-the-cafe-scene
Personnel
Brent Williams: Bassist
Frank Kincel: Drums and Percusssion
Tommy Alesi: Drums and Percussion
Chet Blakistone: Bass and Guitar
Influences
Cyrus Chestnut, Chucho Valdes, Horace Silver, the great orchestrators and arrangers - Puentes, Grusin, Harlow
What to Expect
Typical Gig Duration: 60 - 220 minutes
I put my own touch on every tune I play. Original ideas and original improvisatonal approach to jazz, latin, and traditional jazz. Even standards as they are wrongly called work if you approach them for what they are -- songs that have long outlived their composers -- and you play them in an up to date manner that reflects your skills.
Stage/Setup Requirements:
Basic 120VAC power access - 20amp circuit
Additional Notes:
For solo it s preferred to the customer provide an acoustic piano -- if not available I will play an electric. The trio requires only a small stage area to perform - not a lot of equipment to move in or out -- and we are self contained for the most part.
Set/Song/Sequence List:
I do not work a set list per se. I play what is needed for the audience we are performing for -- and what the event calls for. A song list is a stock presentation -- but since I do not play any music like its original form -- there is not a lot of logic in presenting a tune only to be played far differently than the original.
Performance Schedule
Past Booked Dates:
12-02-2011 — Lafayette Oil Center Festival of Lights
11-24-2011 — City Club @ River Ranch - with Trio
11-08-2011 — Village Market - Youngsville - Solo Piano
11-05-2011 — Churchill's - Baton Rouge - Latin Jazz Trio
11-02-2011 — 2 Johns Steak and Seafood - Shreveport
10-30-2011 — Private Event - The Dan DeSandro Trio
10-28-2011 — Acadiana Wine & Food Festival - Trio
10-28-2011 — Acadiana Wine & Food Festival - Solo Piano
10-25-2011 — Le Triomphe - Solo Piano - Private Event
10-21-2011 — Chruchill's - Baton Rouge - Latin Jazz Trio
10-13-2011 — Scandals @ Crown Plaza with The Dan DeSandro Trio
10-12-2011 — Stroube's Chophouse - Shaw Center Baton Rouge
10-05-2011 — Stroube's Chophouse - Shaw Center Baton Rouge
10-01-2011 — Churchill's - Baton Rouge - Latin Jazz Trio
09-28-2011 — Stroube's Chophouse - Shaw Center - Solo Piano
09-21-2011 — Stroube's Chophouse - Shaw Center - Solo Piano
09-15-2011 — Scandals - Crown Plaza - Lafayette - Latin Jazz Trio
09-14-2011 — Stroube's Chophouse - Shaw Center - Solo Piano
09-03-2011 — Wedding Reception - Trio
09-02-2011 — Wedding Reception- Metarie, LA - Solo Piano
09-01-2011 — The Station - Broussard, LA - Blues
Experience
2006: 150 gigs
2007: 150 gigs
2008: 150 gigs
2009: 150 gigs
2010: 150 gigs
2011: 150 gigs
Available for Your
Anniversary Party, Bar/Lounge, Casino, Christmas Party, Club/Nightclub, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Cruise, Dinner Dance, Ethnic Celebration, Festival, Grand Opening, Hotel, Launch Party, Luncheon/Tea, Private Party, Restaurant, Sporting Event, Studio Session, Trade Show, Wedding Ceremony, Wedding Reception, Workshop
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