PHREAdom Leader: Daniel D., the Man Behind the Violin

Daniel Davis started playing the violin when he was 12-years-old. He did not like the strings instrument initially, but he took it as a class in middle school. The notable violinist didn’t fall for the four-stringed wooden musical instrument until he saw “an older gentleman play it in an exciting and interesting way,” he said.

“From that moment on I was hooked,” Davis, who goes by Daniel D., said.

Growing up in Charleston, S.C., Daniel D. repertoire of musical performances varies from Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz and Gospel. He was featured on BET’s 106 & Park. He’s opened for the 2008 President Barack Obama Presidential Campaign, former Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Susan Taylor’s celebration, and many others.

The musician has a few awards under his belt as well which began while in high school when Daniel D. received an award for a summer scholarship at the New York’s Julliard School of Music. He is also a two times Apollo Theater winner and a Charlotte Music Award recipient.

The now-24-year-old Daniel D. whose greatest influencers include Jean Luc Ponty, Noel Pointer, Regina Carter, Boney James, and others, released his first album called Play for Me in 2009. Within the next four years, he’s release another three albums – Serenade, Epic Sounds and Son Rise. His latest album was released this year.

Although currently promoting his current releases, the violinist is considering working on a new project in 2014, he said.

Daniel D. travels frequently for different events and shows throughout the United States including Baltimore, M.D. and Charlotte, N.C. In fact, this Friday, Daniel D. will be performing at the Holiday Jazz R&B Gospel Concert at the Charlotte Scottish Rite Temple in Charlotte, N.C. The event begins at 7 p.m. The tickets are $15 for general admission and $25 for VIP admission which includes an autographed copy of one of Daniel D.'s albums.

 “As a live performer, I like to give the audience an array of genres and emotions – R&B, Jazz, Inspirational even Pop,” he said. “I don’t want to give too much away, you have to come out to get the full experience.”

Daniel D. finds his passion from the emotion that his music draws out of himself and other individuals.

“I love moving audiences through my gift/
talent,” he said.

The music Daniel D. performances display some form of emotion which is easily felt by listening to the violinist uses his bow to compose a melody. This is exactly what he hopes individuals will receive from his craft.

“It can be a happy one from an upbeat record, or even a sad memory from a memorably song,” he said.

Daniel D. is empowered by his faith and Lord as well as the progression of those including him to success.

“[I am empowered] by seeing myself or others achieve and climb higher and higher on the ladder to success,” he said.

The contemporary violinist said his ambitions are to reach and touch as many lives as possible through his character and music.

“I think a lot of artists lead with the music,” Daniel D. said. “I believe it takes being personal with people, you leave a lasting mark on someone’s life that way.”

If you are interested in attending Daniel D.’s concert Friday, click here to purchase your ticket. To learn more about Daniel D., visit his Web site at http://www.danieldmusic.com.

Follow Daniel D.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DanielDMusic

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DanielDsViolin

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ddproductions2007