Dan Tracey is a Nashville songwriter specializing in ultra-melodic, big hook tunes that stroke your soul and send you home singing' his songs in your sleep. He's a multi-instrumentalist who plays and sings on all his tracks as well as being a seasoned studio musician in the Nashville Music Row scene. Dan has performed on national television along side superstars like Chet Atkins, and has written songs with Keith Burns of Trick Pony, and Paul Taylor of Winger.
Dan's upcoming overseas release, "Unbreakable" is a sonic flood of catchy tunes with simple lyrics about everyday life. If you like Don Henley or Bryan Adams, this CD is a must have.
*Read more about this artist in the BIO section.
Influences
Eric Carmen, Bryan Adams, Mutt Lange, Gladys Knight, Toto, Steve Lukather, Dan Huff, Elton John, Joe Lynn Turner, Bread.
Bio
Born in Hartford, Connecticut and the youngest of six kids, Dan was banging on pots and pans from a very early age. He quickly graduated to the drum set after a few lessons from eldest brother Dave; and before long, he was wowing the judges at high school jazz competitions. By age twelve he was playing guitar and piano like a seasoned pro, and at fourteen had a steady Friday night gig at the local Tavern (much to the dismay of his parents). "Music was always in our house. My Grandfather was a play by ear, honky tonk piano kinda guy who liked to drink and sit in with the local band." Says Dan "Mom says that's where I got (it)... the music that is, not the drinking." He laughs. "He had eleven kids and all five boys played instruments. Family reunions in Jersey (where my Mom is from), were like the Lawrence Welk Show. It left a huge impression on me"! "My brothers and sisters turned me onto some great music growing up as well, like Elton John's Yellow Brick Road, Ronstadt, and Bread. Those artists played a big role in my love for songwriting and great melody".
A 1984 Berklee Outstanding Musicianship Award winner and talented multi-instrumentalist adept at guitar, drums, and keyboards, Dan is best known in musicians’ circles for his huge vocal range and production skills. His pristine vocal arrangements shine though out his melody driven pop songs. A student of vocal instruction guru Don Lawrence, (Mick Jagger, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Bono etc.) Dan was a long-time session musician in New York City, having sung on numerous national jingle campaigns such as Diet Coke, MCI and Harley Davidson.
Dan made the move from Connecticut to "Music City" - Nashville, TN - to pursue his passion for writing and producing. Since then, he has continued to perform live as well as doing session work on Nashville's famed Music Row. In 1995, Dan sang lead and played guitar on a nationally televised event with country music legend Chet Atkins. This was a very special performance as Chet would pass just a short time later.
In 2003 Dan had a very busy schedule of live performances and session work. That demanding and relentless vocal workout took its toll. Diagnosed with a blown blood vessel on his right vocal cord, Dan would not sing for a full year. He was devastated. Even worse, this injury had the possibility of affecting his ability to ever speak again. Famed vocal surgeon to the stars, Dr. Robert Ossoff, performed his pioneering procedure on Dan's vocal cords at Vanderbilt University Hospital. And after one year of light singing and several speech therapy sessions, Dan is back doing what he loves best. "I don't take it (singing) for granted anymore." He says. "Its a gift, and I am so lucky to have it back."
Currently, Dan is busy writing and producing new material in his state-of-the-art recording studio located just outside of Nashville, and a stones throw from the homes of Johnny Cash and Reba MacIntire. "It's where I feel most at home and most alive," He says. " Writing songs and building words and music into an emotional experience for the listener is what makes me tick."
Today, Dan's songs have been in the hands of some serious movers and shakers in Nashville and it's only a matter of time before you hear one of them on YOUR
radio!
Dan Tracey
Dan Tracey is a Nashville songwriter specializing in ultra-melodic, big hook tunes that stroke your soul and send you home singing' his songs in your sleep. He's a multi-instrumentalist who plays and sings on all his tracks as well as being a seasoned studio musician in the Nashville Music Row scene. Dan has performed on national television along side superstars like Chet Atkins, and has written songs with Keith Burns of Trick Pony, and Paul Taylor of Winger.
Dan's upcoming overseas release, "Unbreakable" is a sonic flood of catchy tunes with simple lyrics about everyday life. If you like Don Henley or Bryan Adams, this CD is a must have. The production is top notch and has clear overtones of one of Dan's greatest influences, Mutt Lange. The performances are solid and melodic with guest-star appearances by Paul Taylor (Winger), 80s vocal powerhouse Mark Slaughter, and guitar virtuoso Phil Keaggy.
THE BUZZ:
Dan's rough mixes of "Unbreakable" somehow made it into the hands of crew members for the world renowned band "Journey". Front man Steve Augeri heard the track during sound check. "Who the hell is that guy?" Steve remarked, "Man he can really sing!" Later that day Steve called Dan to tell him how much he loved his voice and commented that his song, Livin' on Dreams
"Really spoke to me man"! So what's it like to have fans like that? "I was on cloud nine for days". Says Dan,” Steve is one of my favorite singers and I have been following him since he was with his first band (Tall Stories) ". Well, the buzz is out. This CD has it all and it's ready to take Europe by storm.
Currently, Dan's managment team is seeking major European distribution contracts for this latest release.
Stay tuned to dantracey.com for updated info as it becomes available.