Daniel Clark, a graduating senior at VCU majoring in music, grew up in a musical family. His father, Tommy Clarke, a saxophonist, is the leader of “TC & the Hothouse Band.”Daniel started piano in elementary school.

He learned his first chord from his dad, and has never looked back. At Atlee High School he played in the band, acted in plays, led his own bands, and even “found time to study.” The summer after his sophomore year he studied at Boston’s Berklee School of Music, realizing then that music would be his life.Once back home, Daniel joined his father’s band performing funk, jazz, and rock and roll all over the east coast. While a senior in high school, he was selected to play in the All-State Jazz Ensemble. Performing with the Atlee High School Jazz Band at The Chantilly Jazz festival he won the Big Band Jazz Society’s individual scholarship.

In November 1996, while a student at Atlee High, The Richmond Times Dispatch featured Daniel in a front-page article describing his dedication to music, boundless energy, and upbeat attitude.Daniel performs with several music groups including the VCU Jazz Orchestra under the direction of John Winn [formerly Doug Richards]; a small jazz ensemble, “Old Dog New Tricks” headed by Skip Gailes; George Turman’s annual folk gathering, “Among Friends” and a local funk band, “Modern Groove Syndicate.” He also plays solo jazz piano, has his own local jazz trio, and often accompanies “The Jackie Frost Trio.”On June 9, 2000, Daniel produced and starred in a pop, jazz, and funk review called “Danny C’s Musical Review” at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen. The show featured over 20 musicians with Daniel performing on piano, keyboard, and electric organ in several musical configurations including “Old Dog New Tricks,” “Modern Groove Syndicate,” “The Jackie Frost Trio,” and “TC & The Hothouse Band.”

The diverse, energetic and very entertaining show, sparked by Daniel’s contagious enthusiasm, was recorded live by Slipped Disc and will be released in the fall on CD.Daniel Clarke usually performs several times a week with one or another group of his musical cohorts. He recenly toured with the Moterico, a group comprised of Burce Hornsby’s backing band. If you are out on the town and happen to catch him in some nightspot, listen carefully. This young man’s talent is special and promises a bright future for him and his growing number of fans.