FOR THE 3RD STRAIGHT YEAR DANIEL SADOWNICK HAS BEEN VOTED AS A RISING STAR IN THE PERCUSSION CATEGORY OF THE 56TH ANNUAL CRITICS POLL IN THE 2008 AUGUST EDITION OF DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE! DANIEL SADOWNICK WAS ALSO NOMINATED AS A RISING STAR IN THE PERCUSSION CATEGORY IN THE READER\'S POLL OF THE 2007 AUGUST EDITION OF DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE. Daniel Sadownick grew up in the South Bronx and always knew he wanted to be a musician since the age of five. It was in his teens however, that he really started to take his career choice seriously. After receiving his Master Degree in Music from New York University Daniel Sadownick then went on to study privately with percussion masters John Amira and the late, great Frankie Malabe. Amid his studies Mr. Sadownick toured with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra for two years. It was here that Daniel made numerous contacts that would lead to tours and recordings with jazz greats such as: Michael Brecker, Dennis Chambers, Nicholas Payton, Bill Charlap, Christian McBride, Richard Bona, Pat Martino, Nat Adderley, Dianne Reeves, Nnenna Freelon, Dewey Redman and many others. A versatile percussionist that does not limit himself to one genre, Daniel has spent the last few years touring and recording with such diverse artists as: Steely Dan, Al Green, The Roots, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Idol, Tony, Toni Tone\', Maxwell, Angie Stone, Matisyahu and Me\'shell Ndege\'Ocello, Daniel is also a member of the New York based cult band the Screaming Headless Torsos, who were listed as one of the top ten bands in America in Musician Magazine. Daniel\'s long awaited CD, \"There Will Be A Day\" features all original compositions as well as showcasing the utilization of percussion in a \"straight-ahead jazz context.\" Daniel feels that percussion in jazz at this present stage seems to be limited to a certain style that does not included all the possibilities of the instrument. \"I want to include all my influences when I play jazz. That runs the gamut from the Art Ensemble of Chicago to Joe Zawinul; from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. These musicians were torchbearers and pioneers. I hope that my contributions make a statement that is parallel to these exceptional artists. They were consistent in their commitment to bring passion, intensity, and soul to their music. When I would go to see and hear the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Cecil Taylor, Tony Williams, McCoy Tyner, Andrew Cyrille and others of this incredible caliber perform they would be so serious, conscious, and intense in bringing this art form to life in the highest regard. This is the only way that I want to carry myself. It has to be an event – if not, why even show up?”