ARTIST BIO
Over three decades, Daniel (D.A.) Young was a part-time studio session singer and small-club performer around Central Indiana, appearing most often as a solo act, sometimes in bands or with his own group, D.A. & the Convictions. A prolific songwriter, he performed frequently at various open stages around the city. In the 1990’s, he produced an art-rock/pop demo compilation called, “My Favorite Stranger” released independently in October 1998. A second song collection, “Soul to the Wheel” was completed in 2005.
After a hiatus to finish his college degree at IUPUI (1999-2001), Daniel returned to music, performing standards and ballads with a new line-up of D.A. & the Convictions in numerous local appearances, including the 2002 Indy 500 Champagne Ball, The Main Street Stage at the Indiana State Fair, several events for the Perfect Wedding Guide publication, and the 3-night grand opening of Eddie Merlot's restaurant, as well as other private events.
In the summer of 2004, and from June 2005 thru January 2007, he performed solo every Tuesday at Brix, A Zionsville Bistro. He also appeared at Eddie Merlot's, D'vine Wine Bar, and numerous times at Deano's Vino in Fountain Square and at Bread Ladies' Bakery & Cafe in downtown Greenfield, Indiana. In September 2006 he sang an all-Sinatra program at the Capri Lounge for a private event.
Planning and rehearsals with pianist/arranger Ken Fary for a jazz album of standards began in March 2006, and recording at The Lodge Studios was started in late July. Recording and mixing for the ten-song album of standards was completed in September. The CD, titled “A Place to Dream” was released to area record stores and on-line vendors January 15, 2007.
Daniel's debut appearance and CD Release Concert was held at The Jazz Kitchen on Feb. 24, 2007, with the Ken Fary Trio. Daniel made his debut at The Chatterbox Jazz Nightclub on Mar. 9, with the Ken Fary Trio and saxophonist Michael Stricklin. He performed at The Imdianapolis Museum of Art for the A.M.P. Series, (Art-Music-People) co-sponsored by NUVO, on April 27. Daniel continued to perform one Saturday a month at Deano's Vino, through June, 2007. He returned to The Chatterbox to perform with the Ken Fary Trio on June 8, 2007. Daniel performed every Friday evening at Center Stage Cafe, downtown Indy, during September 2007.
Over the last three years, Daniel has expanded and refined his repertoire of standards, and improved his vocal technique, becoming a more confident and capable performer. He has methodically redefined himself as a jazz singer, with a listenable and appealing voice perfectly suited to traditional pop and jazz standards. Daniel sings classic tunes by George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Jerome Kern, Rogers & Hart, Duke Ellington, and others.