DANIEL BARNES - SHORT BIOGRAPHY - DRUMMER COMPOSER BANDLEADER PRODUCER
Daniel’s deep groove, dynamic sense, superior sound and versatility has kept him in demand as a drummer with a top echelon of jazz artists in Canada including Joe Sealy, Jackie Richardson, Holly Cole, Jane Bunnett, Richard Underhill, Micah Barnes, Heather Bambrick, Adi Braun, Colin Hunter and others, also backing visiting Americans Don Braden, Ron Westray, Dizzy Reese, Russ Nolan and more.
Daniel has earned distinction in Global/World Music having toured &/or recorded with three icons of Ethiopian music; vocalists Aster Aweke (“Aster Live in London” ’96) and Mr. Mahmoud Ahmed (“Tizita” ’98) and toured extensively through Europe & Asia in 2022 with legendary keyboardist/arranger Mr. Hailu Mergia.
He currently leads Barnes & Woldemichael Ethio-Jazz - a group that features Ethiopian born first call saxophonist Girma Woldemichael. Together they interpret choice picks of the Ethiopian Jazz genre alongside Barnes’ original compositions. The group performs regularly in the Toronto area. Daniel spent a decade as a member of The Flying Bulgar Klezmer Band, earning a JUNO nomination with them for their CD “Sweet Return”. He’s recorded for Egyptian Canadian artist Maryem Hassan, Yiddish cabaret diva Theresa Tova and has appeared live with Venezuelan vocalist Eliana Cuevas, Caribbean super group “Canefire and currently hold the drum chair for legendary Toronto reggae group ‘The Sattalites’.
Daniel’s self produced independent record releases “Culmination” and “Classic Beauties” feature him as drummer, composer, arranger & producer. Both have become staples at jazz radio in Canada & received critical acclaim. Hear them on the “Music” page on his website www.danielbarnesmusic.com. Daniel has presented his band at both the Toronto & Montreal International Jazz Festivals, The Aga Khan Museum, The Ashkenaz, Habari Africa & Kensington Jazz Festivals and appear regularly in local venues.
His music has been licensed for Film & TV in “Beyond the Horizon”, an independent adventure documentary and Disney Plus’ “What We Do In The Shadows”.
Daniel plays Gretsch Drums, Murat Diril Cymbals and Headhunter Sticks and Creations exclusively - www.danielbarnesmusic.com