Baritone saxophonist, Danny Harrington, was born in Providence, Rhode Island and now lives Newburyport, Massachusetts with his wife (Risa) and daughter (Nina). He is a Professor of Music at Berklee College of Music, a position he has held since 1978. He is a member of the college’s Harmony department, which teaches the theory of American popular music from the early 20th century to the present. Danny has been teaching and performing in the New England area since 1978. Before joining the faculty at Berklee College, Danny toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under the direction of Buddy Morrow. Since then he has performed with Nick Brignola, Gary Burton, Herb Pomeroy, Gary Smulyan, Joe Lovano, George Garzone as well as leading his own group since 1980. Danny’s main instrument is the baritone saxophone. When asked about his choice of baritone Danny says….” I never really consciously chose the bari….it was a natural feeling.” His approach to the big horn has been to try to combine the sound of Harry Carney, the lyricism of Serge Chaloff and Gerry Mulligan, the energy and dexterity of Pepper Adams and Nick Brignola with his own individuality and spirit. Danny comments, “It is a life long evolution and dedication”.
Danny has recorded three CD’s as a leader: Risa’s Waltz, Live at the Firehouse Theatre with Tony Germain and The Danny Harrington Quartet Live at the Kiwi Grille. Danny continues to perform throughout the New England area with his quartet, duo and as a solo clinician.
To hear a few of Danny’s live performances please check out the following links down below. The first three songs are from a concert with Tony Germain at Berklee College of Music. The final website is a gig journal set up by guitarist Steve Carter who works on Wednesday nights with Danny. He has also added a link to his organ trio recording project.
Danny has been an artist for Vandoren for the twelve years. On all of these recordings you will hear Danny playing his 1934 Conn “Naked Lady” baritone saxophone. He also uses a Vandoren B75 Mouthpiece, Optimum Ligature and #2 ½ Blue Box Reeds exclusively. He says, “ I am thankful everyday for the support Vandoren has given me. The strength and consistency of their products is the reason they are a world leader in the woodwind industry.
In the fall of 2016 Danny was bestowed an amazing honor at Berklee College. The college had recently been gifted the last baritone saxophone played by the legendary Harry Carney. He was asked by the college to play the horn at the ceremony that was celebrating the official gift to the college by the late Pat Patrick’s family. He will again be performing with it again this coming fall.
Click here to read a full interview with Danny Harrington
www.soundcloud.com/danny-harrington