About
At the age of 14, inspired by Blues masters Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Sonny Terry, Damien started playing diatonic harmonica. At 16, he received as a gift an alto saxophone, and applied the theory learned through sax lessons to another recent gift, the chromatic harmonica. Around that same time he was introduced to Altaneze Taylor, the founder of Bright Moments Music Lovers Club. Through her organization, he met and studied with professional musicians and learned about Jazz history and culture. As an adult he entered Laney College and studied with Elvo D'amante and Ed Kelly. He transferred directly for an exchange program (aka "Intercambio") to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he lived, studied, and played for the next two years.
At the age of 14, inspired by Blues masters Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter and Sonny Terry, Damien started playing diatonic harmonica. At 16, he received as a gift an alto saxophone, and applied the theory learned through sax lessons to another recent gift, the chromatic harmonica. Around that same time he was introduced to Altaneze Taylor, the founder of Bright Moments Music Lovers Club. Through her organization, he met and studied with professional musicians and learned about Jazz history and culture. As an adult he entered Laney College and studied with Elvo D'amante and Ed Kelly. He transferred directly for an exchange program (aka "Intercambio") to Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he lived, studied, and played for the next two years.
Upon returning from Brazil he was soon playing in the Bay Area's top clubs with the area’s best Brazilian and Jazz musicians, resulting in the 1996 debut CD release, "Intercambio," inspired by his overseas adventures. In 1997, after nine consecutive visits to Havana, Damien produced "Cubacambio," taking his passion for World Music, Jazz and Pop and melding them into one vision. "Cubacambio" is one of the first recordings featuring chromatic harmonica in an authentic Cuban setting.
Upon returning from Brazil he was soon playing in the Bay Area's top clubs with the area’s best Brazilian and Jazz musicians, resulting in the 1996 debut CD release, "Intercambio," inspired by his overseas adventures. In 1997, after nine consecutive visits to Havana, Damien produced "Cubacambio," taking his passion for World Music, Jazz and Pop and melding them into one vision. "Cubacambio" is one of the first recordings featuring chromatic harmonica in an authentic Cuban setting.
In following years, Damien expanded his performance and recording into many genres, mixing Jazz, Rock, Pop and World Music styles, searching for an elusive "sound" to express the music he heard growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 70's and 80's. That exploration can be heard in his various recordings on his own albums, and the recordings of other artists. During this time he was fortunate to tour and perform all over the globe, including Europe, Asia and North America.
In following years, Damien expanded his performance and recording into many genres, mixing Jazz, Rock, Pop and World Music styles, searching for an elusive "sound" to express the music he heard growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 70's and 80's. That exploration can be heard in his various recordings on his own albums, and the recordings of other artists. During this time he was fortunate to tour and perform all over the globe, including Europe, Asia and North America.
In 2009 Damien released "All Over the Map," his first major release since "Cubacambio." Considered one of his finest albums, it showcases his compositional and arranging talents, as well his trademark harmonica and saxophone chops. A collaborative effort with Bassist/Producer/Engineer Jon Evans of San Pablo Recorders, featuring Allison Miller on drums and Julie Wolf on keyboards, "All Over the Map" has been dubbed a "must have."
In 2009 Damien released "All Over the Map," his first major release since "Cubacambio." Considered one of his finest albums, it showcases his compositional and arranging talents, as well his trademark harmonica and saxophone chops. A collaborative effort with Bassist/Producer/Engineer Jon Evans of San Pablo Recorders, featuring Allison Miller on drums and Julie Wolf on keyboards, "All Over the Map" has been dubbed a "must have."
In years since, Damien has been searching for lost rhythms and atypical ways to syncopate his compositions. That exploration transported him all over the world; but it was his discovery of certain styles of African music, especially Senegalese Mbalax, that captured his heart and soul. During 2009 - 2010 Damien traveled to Africa 4 times, studying, performing and recording in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa, ultimately building a studio in Dakar, which allowed lower income artists to create recordings and demos. Damien lived in Dakar, Senegal for 4 years, performing and touring with a number of groups.
In years since, Damien has been searching for lost rhythms and atypical ways to syncopate his compositions. That exploration transported him all over the world; but it was his discovery of certain styles of African music, especially Senegalese Mbalax, that captured his heart and soul. During 2009 - 2010 Damien traveled to Africa 4 times, studying, performing and recording in Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa, ultimately building a studio in Dakar, which allowed lower income artists to create recordings and demos. Damien lived in Dakar, Senegal for 4 years, performing and touring with a number of groups.
Damien is also a polyglot and can speak several languages fluently, including Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese and Wolof. He has a Bachelors in Music with a minor in Spanish from San Francisco State University.
Damien is also a polyglot and can speak several languages fluently, including Portuguese, Spanish, French, Chinese and Wolof. He has a Bachelors in Music with a minor in Spanish from San Francisco State University.
