DAN STARR: Distant Lands

Dan Starr

Distant Lands

© 2006 Dan Starr (837101233392)

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A journey through different cultures, sounds, and musical styles via engaging instrumental compositions and well-loved folk melodies, using the amazingly realistic sounds of a single DIGITAL piano.

notes

My new CD, "Distant Lands," again features piano instrumentals but with the addition of many other instruments (wonderfully realistic - you will be amazed that these sounds are being made by a digital piano !) This music is a celebration of the differences and similarities in the world's musical cultures. As always, my pieces partake of many, many styles but all "sing" melodically - you will find yourself humming your favorite melody long after the CD is over. Plus, the music is intended to both excite and relax, what I think is a rather unique combination.

Dan Starr: A Short Autobiography and Description of Recorded Works

Born in Tucson, Arizona, USA in 1952, I have lived here ever since, except for four unpleasant years in Los Angeles. I began playing organ at age 15 and took formal training focusing on popular standards rather than classical music. By age 16, I was performing in public. I also indulged my teen aged ego by playing in rock bands all through high school.

My music career was sidetracked by college and then many years in Public Relations and marketing. During this period, I first taught myself to play the piano, then later received formal instruction. In 1987, I put all these skills together and began a new career as a piano and keyboard instructor and entertainer. As the technology of electronic instruments advanced, I kept pace, purchasing and performing on some of the first digital pianos, synthesizers, and portable keyboards.

Both careers have prospered over the years. I've kept a full time music teaching practice since I first began, due primarily to my philosophy of teaching the average person to play for their own enjoyment. I have specialized in piano lessons for busy adults and have taught close to 2000 music lovers.

Meanwhile, I have focused my performing and entertaining efforts on making music for private functions (I played in bars and clubs when I was a teen - and got my fill way back then !) I've performed hundreds of such private "gigs": dances, parties, weddings, fund raisers, funerals, concerts, graduations, art shows, fashion shows - you name it and chances are I've done it, both as a solo performer and as a band member, playing rock, country, classical, jazz, standards, blues, Broadway, etc.

I continue to enjoy playing "other people's music" when entertaining and performing, but my heart's desires since I wrote my first song (at age 17) has been to perform MY OWN songs and compositions. Thus, in December of 2001, I released my first CD of solo piano music entitled "Passage to Home." The CD insert describes the musical content this way:

Friends Old and New:

I hope you enjoy "Passage to Home," the first recording of my solo piano compositions. I've tried to make as full a use as possible of the amazing versatility of the piano, the world's favorite musical instrument. Thus, you'll find on this recording a touch of classical, a hint of jazz, and a dash of rock, as well as the sounds of country, New Age, gospel, blues, and ballad. What do you call my music? I have no idea, but I sure enjoyed writing it, performing it, and recording it and I hope you do as well."

My CD has met with a great deal of success, due, I believe, to the quality of its melodies and the fact it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The CD is available at cdbaby.com

Let me finish up this bio with some personal statistics. I'm single (divorced), no children, 5'9” and 160 lbs. I hike, bike, dance, read incessantly (history, philosophy and science fiction,) and spend time with friends I've had for 20-30 years. I'm spiritual, but without an organized religion. I have plenty of opinions about many things, but will change them in a heartbeat in the face of new information! I consider myself a seeker and a teacher as well as a musician. I am equal parts right-brained and left-brained, wacky artist and clinical scientist. I have taken the road less traveled and that has made all the difference.

reviews

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  • The music is both exciting and relaxing
    author: JoAnn

    Dan, I love your new CD. It's just as wonderful, even though different, from your earlier CD. The various pieces do have a "distant lands" feel to them; the music is both relaxing and exciting... as it "carries" you to faraway places. Thanks for creating a marvelous addition to my musical library!!

  • Takes the listener on a contemplative journey...absolutely beautiful.
    author: Barbara

    'Distant Lands," Dan Starr's new CD more than illustrates the diversity of the many sounds of the music from different cultures. This music is absolutely beautiful and took this listener on a contemplative journey to these distant lands.With the exception of the "British Isles Medley," all of the music on the CD is composed by Dan and it is a wondrous accomplishment. Hopefully we will see more CD's from this talented man!

  • A refreshing sound so often missed by composers of eclectic music.
    author: Dennis Scalpone, Insurance Broker

    "Distant Lands" has a refreshing sound so often missed by composers of eclectic music. The CD rings with smooth joy that is uplifting and exciting. I have played the CD 4 times in the few days that I have had it and each time I find new sounds, new visions, and new warmth. I have known Dan for many years and it is exciting to see him come into his own along with other great masters of the keyboard. With this CD Dan Starr has climbed the stairs of composership, delicate sound, and creative, inventive keyboarding.

  • A refreshing sound so often missed by composers of eclectic music.
    author: Dennis Scalpone, Insurance Broker

    "Distant Lands" has a refreshing sound so often missed by composers of eclectic music. The CD rings with smooth joy that is uplifting and exciting. I have played the CD 4 times in the few days that I have had it and each time I find new sounds, new visions, and new warmth. I have known Dan for many years and it is exciting to see him come into his own along with other great masters of the keyboard. With this CD Dan Starr has climbed the stairs of composership, delicate sound, and creative, inventive keyboarding.

  • This whole CD is so well done, restorative and meaningful
    author: Marisa Mueller, MD

    This whole CD is so well done, restorative and meaningful. The music is beautiful and the information on the songs inspiring. I can't wait to share it with my family and friends.

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