Danny D'Imperio

"Danny D'Imperio the man who makes it all happen. He not only kicks the band into action with his idiomatically synchronized drum work, but is the spiritual godfather to his entourage. His real persona was largely hidden during his bread winning years with the Glenn Miller Orchestra but even then he would let slip the occasional musical and verbal twist to let people know where his true feelings lay". (Notes taken from his CD release on the Sackville label "The Outlaw").

Since 1970 he has worked with the Glenn Miller Orchestra (directed by Buddy DeFranco), Gap Mangione, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Tony Bennett, Eddie Jefferson/Richie Cole Quintet, Louis Armstrong Alumni Band, Eddie Condon House Band, Buddy Rich Band (he replaced Buddy when Rich had a heart attack in 1983), and toured with the band after the death of Rich - 1987. He also appeared with the Gene Krupa Legend with Anita O'Day, the Les Elgart Band, the Larry Elgart Band and later, the Village Vanguard Orchestra.

He has made numerous appearances on Television with various artists, and also toured Japan (Miller), Australia (Miller), New Zealand (Miller), England (Miller, Armstrong Alumni Band, Eddie Condon House Band), and Europe (Armstrong, O'Day).

He has performed with Joe Williams, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Chet Baker, Peanuts Hucko, Wild Bill Davison, Doc Cheatham, Urbie Green, Pepper Adams, Helen Humes, Billy Eckstine, Marvin Stamm, Stan Getz, Benny Carter, Joe Venuti, Jon Hendricks, Annie Ross, Dave Lambert etc., proving he can fit into any genre of jazz.

Recommended recordings:
"Chameleon" with Maynard FergusonColumbia CK 46112
"40th Anniversary at Carnegie Hall"
with Woody Herman
RCA
"Live at Vine Street"
with Anita O'Day
Swing CDSW-8435

As Leader

"Danny D'Imperio Sextet" VSOP #71 CD
"Blue for Philly Joe"VSOP #81 CD
"Hip to It"VSOP
"Glass Enclosure"VSOP
"The Outlaw"Sackville SKCD2-3060

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