B I O Born in Vilnius, Lithuania in 1974, Daniel Mintseris started studying classical piano at the age of 7. At 14, he discovered jazz and took improvisation lessons with local conservatory teachers. During that time, he also performed with and wrote arrangements for well known semi-professional klezmer ensembles. 3 years later Daniel entered the Vilnius Conservatory and studied jazz and classical piano for a year before moving to the United States. Once in Philadelphia, Mintseris continued his studies in Temple University's Jazz Arranging and Composition Program, exploring jazz piano and composition with Dr. Don Glanden, improvisation with Larry McKenna, and classical orchestration and computer music with Dr. Maurice Wright. Among Daniel's individual projects were improvisational performances with composer/flautist Dr. Cynthia Folio, and a special concert featuring two piano jazz trios performing simultaneous improvised compositions. His original jazz quartet recording was featured on the "Philadelphia Jazz Showcase" compilation and enjoyed airplay on WRTI Jazz FM. After graduating from Temple University in 1996, Mintseris remained based in Philadelphia and performed with jazz and commercial music ensembles, also gaining some experience as Musical Director and pianist with small professional theatre companies. With the move to New York in 1998, Daniel continued to expand his stylistic and professional horizons, delving into the city's rich music scene. His interest in music technology evolved into an ongoing exploration of the sonic possibilities afforded by modern music software, both live and in the studio. He developed a highly powerful and efficient live performance setup with a laptop computer at the center, that allows live looping and sequencing, seamless integration of electronica and live performers, as well as unique sound design through the use of software samplers and synthesizers and computer based effects processing. Along with modern music technology, he enjoys playing things that make sound unplugged, (indian harmonium, melodica, toy xylophone, toy piano, thumb piano), as well as vintage electromechanical instruments (wurlitzer, pianet, clavinet). Daniel has had the good fortune to work with Marianne Faithfull (2005 "Before The Poison" Tour, Live In Hollywood DVD, 2007 "Songs Of Innocence And Experience" Tour), Peter Cincotti (Warner Bros), Ashford & Simpson, Deborah Gibson, Constantine Maroulis (American Idol), Fernando Saunders, Joy Askew (in the jazz-electronica group ECHO), Tina Sugandh (indian-flavored pop-artist). Other credits include children's pop-sensation "Kidz Bop Live," violinist/singer Lili Haydn, opera-tribal beat-electronica artist Sasha Lazard, alternative soul artist Kirsten Price, pop-rock artists Lucy Woodward, Jive Jones, Maria Christensen, singer-songwriters Mieka Pauley, Emily Zuzik, Celia Chavez, world-electronica artists Karina Zeviani and Basya Schechter (Pharaoh's Daughter), jazz-blues artist Philip Hamilton, rock bands "Blow Up Hollywood" and "Cipher." Daniel occasionally performs on Broadway ("The Color Purple"), works with theatre and modern dance companies as a sound designer, and enjoys writing and studio work. His experimental solo piano and electronics project ae with cellist Dave Eggar is due to make a debut recording in 2008. |
