Kevin Danenberg

founder

Profile

Profession

Saxophonist, Programmer, Photographer

Bio

Passionate emotion and unrestrained creativity drive Kevin Danenberg's music across a broad spectrum of styles. As a jazz saxophonist, Kevin merges intellectual explorations and blistering technique with playful jaunts into tone and melodicism. His sound has been described by multi-instrumentalist Norbert Stachel (Tower of Power, Roger Waters) as “a cross between Jan Garbarek and Jerry Bergonzi” on tenor and “Sydney Bechet on steroids” on soprano.

Inspiration by the virtuosity of Lenny Pickett and John Coltrane led Kevin to the Hartt School, where he studied with the late alto icon Jackie McLean. Keeping McLean's teachings alive, Kevin approaches jazz exploration with a reverence to tradition and the jazz masters while finding strength in his own voice. After moving to New York City, Kevin furthered his studies with saxophonist Bob Mover, a master of melody known for his work with Chet Baker and Charles Mingus.

Kevin was a founding member of The Emphasis Orchestra, an experimental large group improvisation ensemble. His quintet Prismatic Melon played regularly at Detour in New York City, performing his straight-ahead originals with Will Sellenraad, Eric MacPherson, Sean Dixon, Gary Wang, Ike Sturm, Julius Tolentino, Norbert Stachel, Josh Irving, Jon Dryden, Jess Jurkovic, Enrique Haneine and a slew of other fine jazz artists. He arranges and leads the horn section for the Duke Baxter Band, an eight-piece soul band specializing in weddings and corporate events. He's worked in various avante-garde groups (Feet Music, Listen While I Moo) and indie rock bands (Sunflower, Frank Viele & The Manhattan Project). Kevin continues working as a sideman in New York's jazz scene whenever the opportunity arises.

In addition to music, Kevin has been programming professionally since 1995. His firm Danenberg Consulting LLC, started in 2002, provides innovative data solutions for small and medium sized businesses that empower growth and productivity. He has developed custom database applications for many industries including energy consulting, medical research, architecture, and art gallery management. Recently, he formed startup Biotasix, Inc. to provide expertise and technology in biostatistics.

Other interests include photography, graphic design, sustainable architecture, renewable energy, environmentalism, blogging, and web development. He enjoys running, bicycling, and playing softball.

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