Danny McCollim

I was born in the mid-50's. Started playing the piano at age 4. I studied classical music all through college and developed a love for jazz while in high school.

Graduated from the Berklee College of Music, in Boston in the early 80's. While at Berklee I was fortunate enough to play in the prestigious "Recording Band" under the direction of Herb Pomeroy, during my last two semesters there.

Currently I'm teaching jazz studies at Spokane Falls Community College and Whitworth College, in Spokane Washington.

I have had the honor to work with many great musicians that have come through the area including, Michael Brecker, Frank Foster, Ernie Watts, Richie Cole, Freddie Hubbard, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Howard Roberts, Larry Coryell, Ethel Ennis, Michael Powers, Levon Ichkhanian and Bud Shank.

Early jazz influences for me were players like Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Arnie Carruthers, McCoy Tyner, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane............... Then in college I was introduced to Red Garland, Cecil Taylor, Mal Waldron, Sam Rivers, Cedar Walton, Monk, Wynton Kelly, Bud Powell and Tete Montoliu. The list goes on and over the years my tastes have expanded to include many "contemporary pianists" such as George Duke, Lyle Mays, Bob James, Russ Ferrante and Joe Sample. I listen to a lot of other players as well but don't want to bore you with any more names.

Other than playing, my greatest passion is composing. I love to write music, and have hundreds of compositions. I'm in the process of recording many of them in my home studio. My most recent recorded projects are on a soon to be released CD entitled "WayLive".