“Daan Kleijn is one of the most talented and promising guitarists I have heard in a long time. He has all the tools to be an important part of the jazz scene in NYC and around the world“, Peter Bernstein
Bright lights, big heights and a slight breeze that’s always around. It’s 8 p.m. and the bustling crowds are looking for a comfortable place to have dinner and enjoy some live music. A young man with a guitar on his back and an amp on a cart behind him, finds his way through the crowds at Bleecker street. One year ago he crossed the Atlantic to move to the center of music and art, New York City. Tonight he is part of that center and in a slight hurry to get to his performance in one of New York’s fine jazz clubs…
Born in the Netherlands, Daan started playing guitar at age of seven. Ten years later he was accepted to the prestigious “Prince Claus Conservatory”. There he developed his musicianship resulting in winning the “VNO-NCW talent award” and the “Gasterra talent award”. During this time he also recorded, co-wrote and produced two full length CD’s with the band “ROOS.”, touring extensively through out the Netherlands. In addition Daan played numerous concerts with renown jazz artists like Benny Golson, Alex Sipiagin, Kenny Werner and Billy Drummond. After graduating Daan moved to New York to pursue his master’s degree at New York University, fully supported by a scholarship from the Huygens talent program. He writes a weekly column for VPRO Jazz Jong, about his adventures in New York City. Daan is a John Pearse artsist and exclusively uses John Pearse strings for all of his guitars.
– “Daan is an extraordinary player with very clear technique and great sound. “ Alex Sipiagin– “Daan Kleijn is a brilliant young guitarist and composer, his ability as an accompanist, soloist, composer, arranger and band-leader are of a remarkable high level “ These were the words used by the jury of the Prince Claus Conservatory, where Daan graduated summa cum-laude in 2011.
– “Daan Kleijn is one of the most talented and promising guitarists I have heard in a long time. He has all the tools to be an important part of the jazz scene in NYC and around the world. He has a great melodic imagination, a beautiful sound, and a strong musical personality which he will no doubt continue to develop as he gains valuable experience working other great musicians. He has a lot to offer to the world of music!” Peter Bernstein
–”Daan has become a great composer and a swinging interpreter with rare and natural technique. He has proven to be a gifted bandleader that is motivated to organize concerts and events in many venues. As a native New Yorker with 25 years experience I can say he will be a wonderful addition to the jazz scene.” Freddie Bryant
