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MIKE DANNER MUSIC
singer/songwriter/piano/accordion/organ/production and recording/teacher
Catch me "solo"or featured with:
The Mike Danner Combination (funky organ jams)
Paper Bellows (accordion quartet)
Trashcan Joe (20s Jazz and unique originals)
Saloon Ensemble (misfit disco-billy theater)
Swamp Thang (soulful zydeco)
...and more!
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In the early 90s I started playing with Neil Gilpin, Tim Acott, and Randy Givens, and we became fixtures at the Laurelthirst Tavern. Every Sunday our misfit version of a big band, The Belmont Street Octet, held down the late show, playing our our unique take on jazz and blues standards, as well as Neil's original songs. We did that for something like 16 years. We were journeymen musicians and would play anywhere we could get paid. We did tons of weddings. So many great players came and went in that band - Johnny Ward, Lee Rhianell, Josh Gilbert, Miguel Maldenato, Russ Miller, Patrick FInley, Dan Haley. Damn legends, every one...
About 1994 I started Velvida Underground, originally with Neil Gilpin on guitar, Tim Acott on bass, and Randy Givens on drums. We played a unique style of hybrid rock and jazz, with a lot of funky 70s vibe to it. Sam Henry soon took over the drum chair, and later Sam Hagerman (sax) and Yorck Franken (drums) (both formerly of Slack) joined the band.
Home: About
I've been playing music in Portland Ore since I was about 14 years old. In the 80s my old high school friend, guitar playing Dave Busacker (later of Satan's Pilgrims) and I started the bands Soulmongers and Dial Memphis, and we played around Portland at clubs like Satyricon, The Long Goodbye, Pyramid Club, East Avenue Tavern, and Key Largo. We played the Mayor's Ball in 1986 and put out a couple cassettes. We were a garage version of an organ trio, playing a lot of 60's soul and originals. Steve Christensen (now Weinstein) was the drummer until about 1988 when he quit to join the band Slack, Sam Henry (of Wipers, Rat$, and Napalm Beach fame) took over.
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Music Lessons:
I can teach you to play the piano or accordion. I charge $60 per lesson (or $1 per minute). We can do it over FaceTime so no matter where you are....lets talk!
Recording and Production:
I can also record you and your band in my boutique studio, casually known as "Mike's Garage". Great rates and you will get my musician services as part of the package!
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