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danielle gasparro

Come...sit. I sing for you.

About Me



US/UK Double-Bill Tour Set To Take "First Flight"
In the spring of 2007, stellar UK singer-songwriter Chris Simmons and I had the honor of meeting on an Italian hillside, at a songwriting retreat hosted by Chris Difford of the classic British band Squeeze (whose brilliance is incomparable). Since then, we've stayed connected as inspired friends, peers and collaborators. This June and July, we're taking our songs and spirits to the road, and hopefully, into the hearts and minds of many.
With our "Primo Volo" Tour, a series of double-bill concerts slated for both sides of the pond represent the debut touring for each of us. With your sweet support, it won't be our last!
"What's Your Music Like?"
Whenever people ask me this, I don't really know what to offer up as a fair reflection. But, my friend Sarah, a brilliant writer who has been on the receiving end of my musings for a long time now, very generously, does. Recently, Sarah surprised me by offering to put her thoughts in writing. I was so touched by her poignant, poetic prose, I wanted to share it with all of you.
I'm walking through a snowy city, cold but curious and unafraid. I pull my scarf tight around my neck, scrunch up my shoulders, and plan my escape. And that's when I hear it: a voice so soulful, deep, and warm. I walk towards it, open the door, and step inside. There's a fire blazing or maybe not, doesn't matter, doesn't matter. I've been here before and I'll be here again.
I don't know these people yet but someday I will.
Danielle Gasparro's voice is kind of like that.

- Sarah Rainone Friend, Fan, Music lover, Novelist
Live Show Videos
Below are two video clips from a Fall 2007 show at Caffe Vivaldi. That's me with Ryan Scott and Al Street on "Puget Sound", and us plus Christopher Hoffman and surprise guest Michael Leonhart on "In My Secret Life". There are a few minor digital glitches, and you can't see my face all that much, but overall...they're pretty darn groovy. And since someone kindly captured the heart of the music, which was beating strong, I feel compelled to share.
Puget Sound
In My Secret Life
"Second Sundays" Artist Interview Series Debuts
February 10th marked the incredible debut of the new live artist interview series that I am the curator and host of, which takes place the second Sunday of every month at Rockwood Music Hall. We had a blast. All my thanks to those who came out and helped kick things off in soulful, stunning style. You can learn more about this unique and thoughtful series, as well as listen to audio archives of the interviews and performances, by clicking the link below in my 'top friends' section. Here's to many wonderful, insightful evenings yet to come!...
photos:lauren jonik
music news...
Steel Bridge SongFest & US/UK Touring
I'm thrilled to share the news that I will be participating as both a songwriter and performer in the fourth annual Steel Bridge SongFest , June 12th - 14th. Steel Bridge is a wonderful festival that takes place each spring in scenic Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. What makes the event unique is that it's also a fundraiser. All proceeds go directly into the Historic Trust Fund to help restore Memorial Bridge, a steel-age technological marvel built in 1930 that has long suffered a questionable future.
A week of inspired collaborations with stellar songwriters culminates in a 3-day indoor and outdoor music festival which Jackson Browne headlines. It's an honor of an invitation and I look forward to sharing more details as the week approaches.
And if that wasn't groovy enough....my good friend and fellow tunesmith Chris Simmons has also been confirmed for the fest, and so he'll be making his way over from the UK to partake in the music and mayhem. Chris is a brilliant writer, performer and guitar player, and I look forward to joining musical forces with him, both onstage and off. A number of very special double-bill concerts are in the works and set to take place during his statestide stint. Only to be followed, of course, by a UK leg of touring in July. Aaah. Independent artists will do, as independent (adventurous) artists will do...
One final, wonderful touch - all of the shows will be in celebration of our respective CD releases. Dates and times TBA...but one thing is for sure - Yowsa! Looking forward to see some of you out on the road!!
new recording underway
In December of '07, I had the pleasure of returning to the studio once again to record some new tracks, with the most brilliant band a girl could ask for. We laid down fourteen tunes, and I look forward to sharing them all with you in the spring of '08, as my next full-length release, "Birdsong." As I feel the entire recording captures the most honest reflection to date of what it is that I aim to express as a songwriter, vocalist and plain ol' foolish mortal, it actually seems as though this one, is my first.
I sang and played the piano, and was all-around inspired by the beauty as it stemmed from:
ryan scott - electric and acoustic guitars, harmony vocals
al street - acoustic guitar
geoff martyn - piano
christopher hoffman - cello
jamie leonhart - harmony vocals
matt kilmer - cajon, percussion
I feel that we really captured some soulful sparks. A number of which are flying around virtually, via the sample tracks in the music player above. Enjoy! And stay tuned, you darling tunesters, you...
ep gets UK airplay

Pulse Rated, an online radio station based out of the UK, is a fantastic resource for independent artists. I've received some sweet support from this station, which is dedicated to playing "new, unsigned and emerging artists."
In the fall of 2006, all four tracks off of my then-newly released EP "Big Movie Screen" were selected as part of the station's ongoing rotation. Two tracks of mine, "In My Secret Life" (from the EP) and "Disappear" (single) have been selected as Pulse Rated 'Hot Trax', which put them in heavy rotation. In the spring of 2007, I did an on-air interview with Benny Longshank, where we chatted up all things music and (thank god) got a little silly. My music has also been featured on "The Roschan Thompson Show", "Hot Trax" with Lexi Jade, Jim Oxley's "The A List" and Lynsey Hoopers's "The Sessions".
Thanks for the soulful support, mates.
a few highlights from 2007
I love to sing, and I had the good fortune of doing that a lot this year, for a lot of you, at two of the most intimate and soulful rooms in New York - Rockwood Music Hall and Caffe Vivaldi. Thanks to those of you who came out and lent your lovely ears and spirits to the music, and made them both feel like home. Looking forward to more great live shows in 2008. NYC, and beyond...
rockwood rules

photo:mark amrhein
caffe vivaldi calms the soul

photo:mark amrhein
no. 3 on indiesounds ny top 10 of 2006

In January of 2007, Pete Harris, who publishes this great NYC indie music mag, selected me as the no. 3 artist on his "Top 10 of 2006"! It was a real honor to appear on this list, which put me in some incredible musical company.
Mr. Harris had some downright sweet things to say about me and the music, including his poetic, 3-word summary: "totally fucking awesome!". (hi mom) You can read the full article by clicking HERE .
Thank you so much, Pete, for this totally fucking awesome honor! (yes I'm done now, mom)

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/12/2005
Band Members: My voice is elevated often by soulful, captivating musicians. If you are getting your groove on while listening to the tracks sampled here, you have the following people to blame:

geoff martyn
guitar, piano, vocals on "birdsong"
chris difford & alessio giottoli
inspired chat at kitchen table on "birdsong"
ryan scott
electric guitar, acoustic guitar, harmony vocals on "once more"
al street
acoustic guitar
christopher hoffman
cello
matt kilmer
percussion
jamie leonhart
harmony vocals
yours, truly i am
piano on "thank you for breaking my heart"

Songs on the music player written by.... "Thank You For Breaking My Heart" (Danielle Gasparro), "Once More" (Danielle Gasparro/Jerome Covington), "Pale Blue" (Danielle Gasparro/Jerome Covington), "Irish Pride" (Danielle Gasparro/Geoff Martyn), "Birdsong" (Danielle Gasparro/Geoff Martyn)

Influences: here are some of the people, places and things that inspire me to look within and let it out via song, and who can in an instant - even on a crappy day - make me feel downright glad to be alive...

leonard cohen, hank williams, joni mitchell, stevie wonder, tom waits, all of the musicians captured by alan lomax on the "deep river of song" historical recordings (rounder records), ella fitzgerald, louis armstrong, donny hathaway, paul simon, billie holiday, prince, me'shell ndegeocello, carmen mcrae, miles davis, ahmad jamal, johnny cash, ryan adams, nick drake, curtis mayfield, madeleine peyroux, the bee gees, antonio carlos jobim, roberta flack, elvis costello, k.d. lang, earth wind and fire, johnny hartman, shirley horn, jonathan spottiswoode, richard julian, geoff martyn, kenny wollesen, every musician that ever plays with me as i step up to the mic, edward hopper, salvador dali, gregory crewdson, charles bukowski, henry miller, pablo neruda, studs terkel, kurt vonnegut, hemmingway, steinbeck, emerson, thoreau, joseph campbell, eckhart tolle, bill hicks, mitch hedberg, dark black french-pressed coffee, the guy who works at the bigass deli near me that makes the udon soup, unbridled truth....oh, it goes on from there...

Sounds Like: aw, shucks. that’s awful nice of you to say
"What a voice. I swear you could just listen to it for hours and hours." - Pulse Rated (UK)

"If you’re not at Danielle’s gigs, you’re missing something very, very special." - Indie Sounds NY

"When I hear your voice, I feel as if I’m in a dream I never want to wake from." - note from inspired fan

"Seductive." - The Village Voice

"Danielle’s rich, buttery voice will likely evoke Cassandra Wilson or Nina Simone. This NYC singer has a gift for writing original songs that defy classification...a great addition to your jazz/soul playlist." - MP3 Weekly

"Don’t keep your day job." - someone who works with me at my day job

"Tremendous....She mesmerized us with her tunes. Her band backed her up with great chemistry...A savvy, thoughtful singer."
- Radio Crystal Blue (review of august ’07 show)


"I am remained pleasantly it surprised to hear a so attractive voice, a message for the pleasure of to express you the emotion experienced between your note. A lot of persons know singer well but to give an emotion is alone some artists."
- freetranslation.com working its magic on a touching note from an Italian fan.


"I hate to say this, but...your pain is our gain." - uniquely flattering remark from a fan, after a live show

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artist info
New York City based performing songwriter Danielle Gasparro does not sing a word she doesn’t mean. With a modern sound and style that soulfully blends jazz and pop, this emerging artist somehow reminds us of Ella and Louis, Joni Mitchell and Carole King, all at the same time. Perhaps it’s because, like those classic artists, she presents us with her thoughts and emotions while passionately embodying the music she sings. Through her unique and deeply expressive voice, the sentient chanteuse offers up a legion of songs that reflect life and lessons learned back through a musical fire that is at once powerful and nuanced. Danielle’s live performances, deemed "engaging and inspiring, not to be missed" (Indie Sounds NY), showcase her rare gift for not only driving her soul and voice deep inside a song, but for taking the audience along for the ride.

Career highlights have included the recording of her 2006 EP "Big Movie Screen", where Danielle worked with Grammy Award winning producer/engineer Jay Newland (Norah Jones, Etta James, Richie Havens), and her participation in two UK based songwriting retreats in 2007. The retreats, hosted by Chris Difford (Squeeze), allowed Danielle the opportunity to forge inspired musical connections with some of the most vibrant members of the UK songwriting community. Collaborations from the retreats, along with Danielle’s original material, were selected to appear on a self-produced live studio recording that is currently in the works and set for release in the spring of 2008. The recording will mark Danielle’s debut studio performance as a piano player.

2008 also brings about some exciting new ventures for this dynamic artist, including her premiere alignment as a songwriter with one of the world’s leading music publishers and her role as host of a highly anticipated monthly live interview series in New York, "Second Sundays", where she discusses the music and the meaning with some of today’s most vital performing songwriters.

With songs that defy genre but feel classic and a live performance that ever captures both heart and mind, Danielle Gasparro has established herself in 2008 as not only a meaningful artist, but one worth keeping your eyes, and ears, on. "What a voice. I swear you could just listen to it for hours and hours." (Pulse Rated UK)

View Danielle Gasparro’s EPK

’big movie screen’ ep available online

In June of 2006, I went into the studio with my breathtaking band, we recorded four songs, and abracadabra, they are available for your listening pleasure in the form of an EP entitled, "Big Movie Screen".

If you’d like to sample the magic that was captured and mixed by grammy-award winning engineer Jay Newland, and produced by Art Hays , just click the link below. Of course, you can also purchase a copy. Or two. Or eighteen.

15 seconds of virtual non-fame
My dear friend Jamie took this little video from her phone. That’s the delovely Sunny Ozell to the left, feeling the groove. That’s Ryan Scott (out of eyeshot) on the geetar, feeling the heart of the tune. And that’s me in between, feeling....well, feeling it all, i guess. Neat.

Short clip from Caffe Vivaldi show

hey kids. if you’re feelin’ it...
when roll your mouse over each pix, there is a nifty little caption. you can also make the pix go faster or slower with the slider between the + - icons. you can also probably find something else you’d rather do with your time.

tortured artist action figures?... anyone...anyone??
This groovy graphic was created by my friend David. I remember he came to one of my shows a while ago, and hand drew a sketch of me while I was singing. This was flattering enough. But then, at a recent show, he hands me a CD, and -- voila! I now have this badass virtual rendition of my, uh...er...actual arse, to share with all of you. Thanks, David.

Record Label: i've heard of them.
Type of Label: None

My Blog

My little press-release...US/UK Tour Info

Hello there, kids. And yes by kids I mean full-grown, vibrant, music loving adults who I adore for taking some time with my blog. ;)   Below is a copy of my first-ever, shiny new press release, w...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Wed, 21 May 2008 04:31:00 PST

US/UK tours with Chris Simmons taking brilliant shape!....

Hello friends. It's true. It's all brilliant, and in fact, coming together... Just ask my tired-but-happy eyes. ;)Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Chris Simmons, a soulful ...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 02:14:00 PST

Banjo Jims Latenite Musings:Part II...TONIGHT - SAT 4/19!

Hello there, dear friends. That's right....As the subject line suggests, I'm back in latenight, love-infested, latin-tinged (yup, keep reading...) Banjo Jim's action. Just last weekend, I had the plea...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:11:00 PST

New song uploaded, because...

 ...why not. Happy listening, groovy people. All my thanks, if ya do.Cheers!danielle p.s. The track is "Pale Blue", another sample off of my upcoming, independent, digital and actual June release...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:22:00 PST

Happy St. Patricks Day! Free download of "Irish Pride"!

Hello, friends. I’ve just uploaded a new song to the player, another sample track off of my upcoming release, "Birdsong" which is still very much in the soulful works. I’m ecstatic to let ...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:12:00 PST

Impatience Is A Virtue, Too... A quick word about the new songs on the player.

Hello friends.What can I say...Three months ago, I recorded fourteen songs with six truly brilliant musicians, and it’s taking a lot longer and costing a lot more than I had planned, t...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:53:00 PST

New Video Clip, Show Sunday, and Why I Love New York

Hello all. Thanks for sneaking a peek at this blog/bulletin. Hope to see some, or perhaps all of you at the concert on Sunday night.  Hey, a girl with a song can dream... Cheers and thanks, danie...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:22:00 PST

New live interview series "Second Sundays" set to debut at Rockwood...

Hello groovy people. I hope you are feeling shiny and new as we enter into this, our two thousand and eighth calendar year. I'm thrilled to announce that beginning Sunday, February 10th, I w...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:58:00 PST

true dat, phyllis and artie

Dear whoever reads this,If you've never checked out "Here's To Life:Shirley Horn With Strings", well...I hope that you will someday. Maybe it will resonate with you, maybe not. But for sure, you will ...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:09:00 PST

"Birdsong" lyrics and insights...

so, i must say, despite my penchant for steering clear of all things "progress" (long live the crayon!) i'm glad i have this little piece of cyberspace to offer you lovely people a little insight into...
Posted by danielle gasparro on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 12:29:00 PST