Comprised of some of the Midwest's top improvisers, guitarist & composer sensation leads powerhouse modern jazz ensemble in return to BLU with the music of his critically acclaimed all-new album, Earthshine! Co-presented by BOP Stop at the Music Settlement.
Known for its compositional breadth and interactive & highly energetic performances, the unique musical identities of the :beta collective combine to form a powerful and unmistakable group sound. By embracing the influence of his heroes from the jazz tradition and retaining his own musical personality, guitarist Dan Bruce has developed a unique and impressive musical voice. A recent transplant to Ohio after spending a decade as an important member of Chicago’s vibrant jazz scene, he is active throughout the United States as a performer, recording artist, composer and educator.
Bruce’s first album, A Single Thread, received praise from both fans and critics. Martin Gladu of allaboutjazz.com wrote, “A Single Thread combines his learned guitar work, which is at times reminiscent of Ben Monder, with substantive yet airy, contemporary sounding compositions”, and Chuck Vecoli of jazzreview.com called it “A brilliant first effort”. Bruce’s much-anticipated second album, Earthshine, came out this October on the Ears and Eyes label. He has performed on more than twenty-five albums as a sideman, and he has worked with a number of eminent musicians including Seamus Blake, Ali Jackson, Dan Wall, Lynn Seaton, Marvin Stamm, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, Daniel Lippel, and Rose Colella.
Bruce’s groups have been featured in The Chi-Town Jazz Festival, The Chicago Composers Collective series at the Green Mill, The Chicago Cultural Center Chamber Music Series, The Jazz Institute of Chicago NextGen Jazz Series, South by Southwest, the Toledo Jazz Festival, The Akron Jazz Festival, The Ohio City Summer Festival and a special live radio broadcast on WDCB FM Chicago.
The new album, Earthshine, garnered a four star review from All About Jazz. Critic Troy Dostert writes, "...a generous, accessible sound with an exploratory edge, Bruce brings a finely-polished technique that is at the same time subtly discontent, searching for new expressions and willing to take some chances along the way."
“…a skilled, seasoned player, one capable of filling the space left by an accompanying harmonic instrument with aplomb and finesse.” -Martin Gladu, allaboutjazz.com
"Daniel Bruce is without a doubt one of the finest of today’s young jazz guitarists. He plays with great creativity, soul and intelligence.” -William Piburn, Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine