Biography

Danny Janklow continues to be an exciting musical voice, and one of the most in-demand saxophonists and composers, of his generation. He not only has a deep connection to the music and its legacy, he has something profound to contribute to its future. Danny performs with uncompromising courage, experimental innovation, and provocative imagination while lending the language of Jazz to the grooves of R&B, Funk, and Indie Soul. Danny’s music is searingly personal, and grounded in calls for equal rights, justice, and love. 

 

Recognized at age 20, he was the youngest 1st place winner of the North American Saxophone Alliance Competition. Janklow began regularly subbing at the Village Vanguard for his mentor Dick Oatts in Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. In 2012, Janklow was awarded 1st place at the Detroit Jazz Festival Saxophone Competition and headlined the festival. As an accomplished composer, he was selected to participate in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program in 2013. Later that year, Danny was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2013 International Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition. 

 

In early 2021, Danny celebrated a Grammy win for his integral performance on “Monk’estra plays John Beasley.” He has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Aloe Blacc, Wayne Shorter, Johnny Mandel, Burt Bacharach, & Herbie Hancock. Janklow has contributed iconic saxophone solos to Hip Hop recordings such as JID’s “Hereditary” and Earthgang’s “Cocktails” (Dreamville). 

 

Danny’s current projects include producing new original music + multi-media, hosting The Creative Hero podcast, performing international festivals & tours, film scoring, and staying committed to his mission of propelling youth education. His available musical catalogue includes his albums “Elevation”, “Worlds Collide”, “Love Day Live”, and the single “Rising Tide”. 

 

Danny has been honored to perform as a bandleader and collaborator at prestigious venues such as Hollywood Bowl, Northsea Jazz Festival, Village Vanguard, The Apollo Theater, Ronnie Scotts London, Blue Note Tokyo, Blue Note NYC, Monterey Jazz Festival, SFJAZZ, Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Baked Potato, & Disney Concert Hall. He regularly collaborates with A-list producers Terrace Martin, Larry Goldings, & Adrian Younge. Janklow has toured with sensational artists such as Gregory Porter, Eric Reed, Wallace Roney, Sheléa, and Harvey Mason Sr.

 

Danny is available for performing, touring, composing, horns/strings arranging and studio recording inquiries. He plays alto, soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones, flute, alto flute, and clarinet.