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Danny Janklow

About this Artist

Los Angeles native Danny Janklow is quickly gaining international recognition for his soulful and innovative voice on the alto saxophone. His heart-felt, passionate and highly energetic music has reached and inspired thousands of listeners from Japan to Holland to Mexico. His live performances, often described as "emotionally charged" and "vibrant celebrations", leave his listeners always wanting more...

Born in Tarzana, CA in 1989, Danny Janklow was handed the saxophone at the age of 11. His life would soon change as he was introduced to the remarkable sounds of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, and John Coltrane. Just 2 years later, it was obvious to all that the music had chosen him. During his time at Agoura High School, Danny was recognized by Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra as the first-ever triple instrument "Outstanding Soloist" on tenor saxophone, flute and clarinet.

In 2007, Danny was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to Philadelphia's Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance where he was mentored by saxophone legend Dick Oatts and incredible trumpeter Terell Stafford. In 2010, Danny won 1st place in the North American Saxophone Alliance competition held in Athens, Georgia. While living on the east coast, he frequently played at the Village Vanguard with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Kimmel Center, the Apollo in Harlem, and Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola in New York.

After graduating in 2011, Danny moved back to his home town to take the LA scene by storm. He rapidly became one of LA's most in-demand saxophonists and bandleaders performing at venues such as Catalina's Jazz Club, the Blue Whale, Vitello's Jazz Club, and Herb Alpert's Vibrato Jazz Grill. In August 2012, he won 1st place at the Detroit Jazz Festival Saxophone Competition and headlined on that year's festival. He took part in a 2-year Mentor program teaching at Stanford Jazz Camp where he discovered his deep passion for teaching students of all ages. In 2013, he was selectively chosen as a semi-finalist to compete in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition in Washington D.C.

Danny has enjoyed the pleasure of sharing the stage and recording with the likes of Wynton and Branford Marsalis, Benny Golson, Terell Stafford, Wycliffe Gordon, Karryn Allison, Eric Reed, Anthony Wilson, Jason Moran, Savion Glover, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Bill Holman Big Band, Gordon Goodwin, Barbara Morrison and Jimmy Heath.

Danny's new band "Sound Barrier" is comprised of the brightest young talent on the planet. The new music has a perfect contrast of urban rawness and sophisticated elegance with vibrant sounds that celebrate the traditions and constantly break through to new musical boundaries. Providing music with high-energy, cutting-edge creativity, and immense sensitivity, this band is something uniquely special and one to look out for.

Danny's music has been described as "Combining intellect with soul, spirit, and passion. The result for the listener is listening and feeling his heart!" (Terell Stafford).