Dan Presley

Dan has been performing professionally since 1969 throughout the United States. He has appeared with national artists Rebecca Kilgore, Bud Shank, Bobby Shew, Scott Hamilton (Concord Records), Bill Berry (Duke Ellington alumnus), Lew Tabakin, Dave McKenna, Mark Murphy and most recently, pianist George Cables (pianist for Dexter Gordon, and solo career). He studied guitar from age 7, attended University of Oregon 1969-74, and founded Willamette Valley Folk Festival (now 20+ years still active). His early career includes bluegrass/folk with Muddy Bottom Boys 1972-76, Everything's Jake (swing jazz) 1976-78, Wholly Cats (jazz/swing) 1978-86, which released two recordings and toured throughout western US & Canada. He has also performed in the Rebecca Kilgore quartet 1986-88, the Art Abrams Swing Machine Big band 1988-90, and the Ranch Dressing Western Swing Big Band. In 1989 Dan co-founded the trio Tall Jazz, which is still in demand and has six recordings to its name. When not performing with with Tall Jazz, Dan performs with the Mazeltov klezmer group, Lilly Wilde, David Cooley, the Dennis Costi (DC big band), Larry Natwick, Ellen Vanderslice, Larry Nobori, Gordon Lee, George Mitchell, Larry Adair, the Pacific Jazz Big Band and the "Radio Revue Orchestra" led by Marv & Rindy Ross (Oregon Trail Band & Quarterflash). As an educator, Dan teaches privately, organizes bass clinics throughout the area, was jazz band instructor for Wilson High School (Portland, OR) 1995-97. He is a member of the Portland Community College Music Career Curriculum Advisory Board, and an adjunct faculty member for Marylhurst University. Currently, Dan is the special project coordinator for the M.U.S.E. band program headquartered in Portland. He also produces CD’s and demo tapes for local artists.

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