Short:
dan cantrell (composer) began composing at age 11. Since that time he has continued performing and writing music of all kinds featuring his main instruments, the accordion, piano and musical saw. In recent years his attention has been focused on the study of music from Eastern Europe as well as composing for film, dance, and theatre. He has composed music for over thirty films, several plays, a variety of dance groups and pieces as well as other eclectic performances and events. In recent years, Dan received an Emmy award as well as the Golden Gate award for his work on documentary films. He also recently had the honor of recording with one of his personal musical heroes Tom Waits.
Long:
dan cantrell began composing at age 11. Since that time he has continued performing
and writing music of all kinds. His main instruments, the piano, the accordion,
and the musical saw have given way to a unique stylistic voice that is eloquent,
eclectic and hauntingly harmonious.
In recent years his attention has been focused on the study of folk and popular
music from Eastern Europe, as well as composing for film dance, and theatre.
He has composed music for over thirty films, several plays, a variety of dance
pieces and other eclectic performance events.
In 2002, Dan earned an Emmy award for his composition work on the KQED documentary
“Home Front”. The same year his score to “ Divided Loyalties”
earned him the Golden Gate award at the San Francisco International Film Festival.
His rich arrangements are known for their acoustic instrumentation and creative
experimentation. His extensive jazz, classical, and modern musical training,
paired with years of work and study of folk music and tradition give him the
ability to compose original music that humbly outshines traditional forms.
It is Dan’s personal belief, that live musical integrity, creative experimentation
and a clear dialogue for collaboration are vital components of good compositional
work.
As a performer, Dan is focused on his own musical projects (the Toids, People’s
Bizarre, and others) and visits local artists and songwriters for collaborations
in live performances and recordings. His performances range from Folk music
and many expanses of World Music, to Jazz, New Music, Rock and Hip Hop. In 2001,
Dan co-founded the record label Odd Shaped Case, an organization that features
some of the best and most unique Bay Area artists and musicians.
A sincere love of music compels Dan to seek out as many new areas of collaboration
as he can. Some of Dan’s myriad current projects include performing for
Greek Folk Dancers, collaborating on a multimedia dance piece, touring with
his ensemble the Toids, accompanying puppet shows, and recording with Tom Waits.
