Dan Effland

Influenced by Kenny Burrell, Charlie Christian, Joe Pass, Derek Bailey, Ornette Coleman, and many others, Effland’s style displays a thorough knowledge of the tradition without sacrificing individuality. As an improviser, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to play inspired, organic melodies in any situation.Comfortable in a wide variety of settings, he can be heard providing sensitive accompaniment to a straight-ahead jazz singer, as a sideman in an avant-garde trio, or as a leader of a group performing his own compositions.After completing formal musical studies at West Virginia University and Middlesex University in London, Effland relocated to the fertile jazz scene of Chicago to continue learning America’s greatest music in one of its greatest homes. In a city steeped in musical tradition, he has surrounded himself with like-minded players focused on thoroughly absorbing the great traditions of Jazz while finding a personal and honest approach to the music.In the past few years, Effland has performed throughout the Midwest at famous jazz venues such as the Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops for Champagne, the Velvet Lounge, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (Detroit), the Hungry Brain, and the Chicago Jazz Festival. At these engagements and others he has shared the stage with jazz luminaries Ahmad Jamal, Idris Muhammed, Steve Coleman, Roy Hargrove, Ed Thigpen, James Carter, and Von Freeman. In addition, he has played with many great Chicago-based musicians including Scott Burns, Jeff Parker, Dennis Carroll, Neal Alger, John Bany, Greg Ward, Geoff Bradfield, Dave Miller, Matt Ulery, Michael Raynor, Elaine Dame, Joe Policastro, Mikel Avery, and many others.As Effland’s artistic voice acquires more and more depth, jazz musicians and aficionados are rapidly becoming aware of this young man’s unique talents.
“To my ears, Dan Effland is one of Chicago's finest guitarists. Whether he's playing straight-ahead or in more open settings, Dan always swings, with a distinctive melodic logic. His compositions and choices in band-mates provide the perfect outlet to hear him articulate his musical vision. I look forward to hearing more music from this stellar group.”
-Jeff Parker (Brian Blade, Joshua Redman, Branford Marsalis, Tortoise, and Isotope 217)
“Guitarist Dan Effland is a groove machine. Wind him up and salivate over his intervallic lines, unyielding riffs, and pure blues.”
-Jazz Improv Magazine
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