Category: Misc.

DENVER, CO (October 23, 2013) – It’s been a pretty good year so far for roots and rock artist Chris Daniels, who was a co-nominee for a 2013 Grammy Award with Mark Oblinger, Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Hubert Laws in the Best Children’s Album category, completing his 20th tour of Europe in October and surviving into his third year after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2010. “It is amazing to me to be nominated for this honor, I mean, I will be there with the likes of John Denver, Judy Collins, Harry Tuft and I’m sure in the future Hot Rize, The Lumineers, The Flobots and so many more incredible Colorado musicians.” (Chris Daniels)

Daniels began his career in the acoustic folk era of the early 1970s, first with Rosewood Canyon (one of Jello Biafra’s favorite bands) and then for five years with Magic Music – the legendary first jam band in Colorado. Daniels and the band played the 2nd and 3rd Telluride Bluegrass Festivals, along with festivals all across the Southwest. Magic Music was renowned for their tightknit vocal harmonies and early acoustic jam band extended solos. “I think I played every room Chuck Morris had in those days including The Sink, Tulagi and Ebbets Field plus we did shows with the funkiest bad-ass soul band around, The Freddi Henchi Band at their club in Boulder.” (Chris Daniels)

After taking three years to finish his degree in music, Daniels returned to Colorado in 1979 and started the critically acclaimed alt-rock band Spoons before getting drafted into The Russell Smith Band (Amazing Rhythm Aces) to tour the world playing guitar, mandolin, banjo and peddle steel.

In 1984 Daniels formed Chris Daniels & the R&B Kings (later just The Kings). The band’s first top 10 Triple A radio hit was “When You’re Cool” in 1987. Twelve international album releases later Chris Daniels & The Kings will celebrate their 30th year together in 2014 having worked with the most respected names in music including: Bonnie Raitt, Al Kooper, David Bromberg, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Bill Payne and an extensive list of artists with whom they’ve shared co-bills and tours. They performed for three Presidents, including Barak Obama, plus The Queen of Holland and numerous appearances on local, national and international TV. The band has won a bevy of awards including several Best of Westword and independent music awards and Daniels’ nomination as a contributor for his songwriting and performance on the Grammy nominated children’s album Jumpin Jazz Kids. Chris also served as the Friday night closing act at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival from 1982 to 1991 and he and the Kings started the notorious “After Hours Jams” that continue now as the Nightgrass Concerts.

Daniels got into ‘giving back’ to the Colorado community – assuming the post as Executive Director of Swallow Hill Music Association in 1995 and leading them in the transition to their new building (at the time 2000) and winning both the Mayor’s and Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts.

Starting in 2002 Daniels began teaching at Arapahoe Community College, winning the Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award in 2006/2007 and then receiving the honor of becoming an Assistant Professor of Music Business at the University of Colorado Denver in 2007 where he won the Award for Excellence in Teaching from the College of Arts & Media in 2011.

In February 2010 Daniels was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia (AML-M4) and he went through intense chemo and eventually received a bone marrow transplant via stem cells from his sister Jane Moffett. Jane will be at the induction at the Paramount. He started performing and teaching again in the fall of 2010, and continues to record and perform in the US and Europe.

Chris returned to his folk and acoustic roots in 2012 with the album Better Days. It earned the #1 spot on Colorado Music & Radio’s Best of 2012 videos with the song “Sister Delores.” Better Days charted as the #4 Album on the 2012 Colorado Music & Radio survey in great company with acts such as The Lumineers. Better Days was “Most Added” on the Americana Music Association (AMA) radio chart and reached #19 on the Alt Country Chart in addition to receiving glowing reviews. Chris was featured live at the FMQB AAA Summit (Boulder), KBCO Studio C and the Americana Renegades showcase at the AMA Conference in Nashville.

Daniels is not only connecting with fans musically – he is striking a chord visually. His videos for “South Carolina” and “Better Days” have received almost 30,000 views in the past 10 months and animated video for “Medical Marijuana” will be released soon. All of the songs included special guest performances from the likes of Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield/Poco), Sam Bush (Lyle Lovett and Bela Fleck), Kenny Passarelli (Elton John), Hazel Miller and a host of other amazing artists.

In 2014 Daniels and the reunited members of Magic Music plan to release their first album – that’s right – their first with the help of Warner Bros recording artist Tim Goodman producing a long awaited studio album with guest spots from Sam Bush, Jimmy Haslip and more. “This is amazing to me, the songs were always great but we never got the chance to put them down in a great studio in any form other than 2-track live. This is the real-deal and it sounds just fantastic!” (Chris Daniels)

For more information: www.chrisdaniels.com or call 720-837-4332 or cwd444@aol.com