Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music is instrumental smooth jazz on saxophone.
When did you start performing?
I have been performing as a solo act after picking up the saxophone as an adult. I started on the clarinet as a youngster, moved to drums for years and after the passing of my Dad, I got his tenor sax and started shedding.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
I am from Beaumont, Texas. Back in my youth there were musicians and bands on almost every other block. I was heavily influenced by the music of the 60’s and 70’s growing up. My dad and his buddies were more into jazz along with my mother who listened to a lot of the female jazz singers. I began sitting in with my dad’s jazz band and dove head first into that genre. That’s been my background performing in my home town.
What performers have been your inspiration?
My Godfather, and others around me growing up were big inspiration. The horn bands like EWF, Tower of Power and Chicago is what inspires me. I listened to guitar players like Wes Montgomery and George Benson. Trumped players like Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, Dizzy and Lee Morgan. There were various sax players, piano players and other instrumentalist that caught my ear.
What do you base your success on?
Success for me is to follow my mission and perform music all over the world. I love to perform with people from various cultures and hear what they have to say musically.
What was your latest musical release?
Brighter Than This is produced by Felton Pilate and is published JEG Multimedia. It is not an original of mine, but is well done by Felton and an upbeat and cool song.
Do you have any news to share?
The single was released in March and my EP is on the way to follow up.
How can fans find you?
www.derwindaniels.com
everyone connect with me there and check out my work.
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
I am looking forward to continue doing shows all over and spreading the good news.