Danny Torgersen
Danny Torgersen | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Website | www.dan-et.com |
Danny Torgersen is an American musician, vocalist, and trumpeter from Phoenix, Arizona best known for his work as the lead singer for the Phoenix-based progressive rock band Captain Squeegee.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with a wide array of artists and bands, including Grieves, Badfish,[1] The Irie, Fayuca, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, and Authority Zero.[2]
Biography
[edit]Danny Torgersen was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where he developed an early interest in music, particularly brass instruments. He began playing trumpet in school, eventually pursuing formal music studies at Arizona State University. Throughout his formative years, Torgersen's eclectic taste in music led him to explore various genres, including jazz, rock, and experimental music, which would later influence his diverse sound.[3]
Music career
[edit]Captain Squeegee
[edit]In 2002, Torgersen co-founded Captain Squeegee,[4] a band originally formed as a ska group but which evolved into a more experimental “space-jazz” ensemble, blending progressive rock, jazz, and psychedelic influences. Their albums, including To the Bardos! (2013) and Harmony Cure (2017), earned critical acclaim within the Phoenix music scene and beyond, celebrated for their complex compositions and Torgersen's signature trumpet melodies.[5]
Dan E.T.
[edit]Dan E.T. is the brainchild of Torgersen's solo efforts, offering a fresh take on his signature style while expanding into new genres. Enlisting Gerhardt Koelsch on drums and Corey Groove on bass, this project allows Torgersen to explore lyrical themes centered on aliens, conspiracies, and philosophy, all while maintaining his characteristic blend of rock, reggae, ska, and jazz.[citation needed]
Dan E.T.’s debut single, "RoundTrip," released in April 2023, featured rapper The Kaleidoscope Kid and showcased a reggae-inspired sound.[6] This was followed by "Do You Right," a collaboration with frequent tour mate Grieves, a well-known underground hip-hop artist.[citation needed]
Collaborations and touring
[edit] |
Throughout his career, Torgersen has been a staple both on tour and in the studio, collaborating with a wide range of artists across various genres. He has played trumpet for high-profile acts like Cardi B, Weezer, Gondwana, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Bumpin Uglies, and Authority Zero. He has also toured with Fidel Nadal (Argentina), Boom! Percussion, and AbbaFab.
Torgersen has opened for many notable bands and artists, including Animal Collective, CeeLo Green, George Clinton (funk musician), The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Ozomatli, Streetlight Manifesto, Watsky, Less Than Jake, and The Aquabats.
Other projects
[edit]Torgersen has also composed and arranged music for film and television, including his own project, Lucidity: The Web Saga.[citation needed]
Discography
[edit]- "RoundTrip" (Single, 2023) featuring The Kaleidoscope Kid
- "Do You Right" (Single, 2023) featuring Grieves
References
[edit]- ^ Tarradell, Mario (4 June 2024). "Badfish, Longtime Sublime Tribute Band, Enter New Era with Original Music Added to the Mix; Upcoming Show in Highlands". NewJerseyStage.com.
- ^ "About". Dan E.T.
- ^ "Meet Danny Torgersen of Captain Squeegee & Friends in Tempe". VoyagePhoenix - Phoenix (Interview). 29 March 2018.
- ^ Masley, Ed (2023-02-01). "How sharing 1 last song could lead to rebirth of beloved Phoenix rockers Captain Squeegee". The Arizona Republic.
- ^ Masley, Ed (2017-01-28) [2017-01-19]. "Best music videos by Phoenix artists in 2016". The Arizona Republic.
- ^ "WATCH NOW: Dan E.T. Releases Music Video for Genre-Defying Debut Single "RoundTrip"". PHOENIX magazine. 4 July 2023.
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories. (September 2024) |