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'... one of my favorite recordings I've done. Sounds incredible. Bravo, all!' Peter Erskine As a world-class saxophonist/flutist, Dann Zinn is renowned for being a passionate soloist and composer/arranger. Hailed over the years as 'inventive,' 'distinctive,' and for 'creating a stunning and emotional listening experience,' Dann has developed a unique style distinguishing him as a one of a kind artist with a tone unlike any other horn player on the jazz scene today. Zinn's impressive resume includes working with Peter Erskine, Chris Robinson, Joe Henderson, Taylor Eigsti, Russ Ferrante, Jeff Tain Watts, Freddie Hubbard, Chuck Findley, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, Barry Finnerty, Frank Martin, among many others. In addition to his four original CDs, Shangri La, Ten Songs, Wish, and Grace's Song, his impressive discography includes over 80 appearances as a featured soloist and sideman on albums with prominent musicians such as Dave Eschelman, Wally Schnalle, Ira Stein, Frank Harris, and a host of others. Dann's performances have spanned international stages including being featured at the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the world famous Yoshi's, where he has played to sold-out crowds. He has garnered critical acclaim from prestigious publications such as Jazz Times, Jazziz, and local media such as the Oakland Magazine. Dann entered the Bay Area music scene as a teenager and after studying and working in L.A. and Aspen, found himself in New York. In his early years, he mentored with Lenny Pickett, Eddie Daniels, and Ernie Watts. Zinn spent time gigging and touring New England only to return to California where he has become one of the most sought after sax players around. Musicians comment on Zinn's "beautiful ethereal folk melodies," with complex chords underneath. It is a rich and full-bodied musical experience noted as "auspicious," "truly impressive," and "brilliant!" "Zinn's music is said to combine Garbarek's crystalline sound with a handful of East Bay grease." Zinn's compositions are uniquely his. A blend of gorgeous melodies, superb and intricate design, and jazz that feels like you have come home. The musicians are guided by their own interpretations of Zinn's imagination. They work together seamlessly and have developed a creative atmosphere that compliments Zinn's style, but one that also taps into their individual personalities. When he is not recording and gigging, Zinn is teaching the best and the brightest jazz musicians in the country. He is professor of Jazz Studies at the California University East Bay, is director of the San Francisco Jazz Festival High School All Star combo, is on the faculty of the University of California at Berkeley, The Jazz School in Berkeley, Chabot College, and taught at the Brubeck Institute. Zinn's private studio is home to a list of multiple winners of full scholarships to schools such as the Boston Berklee School of Music, winners of the Jimmy Lyons Award, winners of the Downbeat best high school and college musician awards, winners of Thelonious Monk Institute scholarships, Grammy Band lead sax players, and countless all star band members for famous jazz festivals. Some of his students include Dayna Stephens, Ambrose Akinmusire, Mark Zelesky, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Albert Baliwas, Justin Brown, Jill Ryan, Remy LeBoef, Pat Carroll, Hitomi Oba, and Kenny Shanker. A project long in the making is nearing completion; Dann Zinn's technique regimen. A much coveted and sought after series of six books instructing the advanced player/student how to practice, continue to improve, set goals, and meet them. When Zinn tells his students they will be first chair in the Grammy band by next year, he means it. He has an eye for talent, but even more important, a work ethic unlike any other mentor. He gives true meaning to the old adage, How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Zinn is currently enjoying the balance of his personal creative endeavors, being a b
