BIOGRAPHY
"The indomitable Del Dako."
John Barber, The Globe and Mail
“Music has always been the most important thing in my life; it has always been my prime directive.
For more than three decades I have built a successful career as a musician and educator in my hometown of Toronto, Canada. As a jazz saxophone player (baritone and alto), I have won prestigious awards such as being voted Baritone Saxophonist of the Year in the 1993, 94’ and ’99 Jazz Report Awards. I’ve also played with such jazz greats as Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Big Nick Nicholas, Nick Brignola, Slim Gailliard and Jim Galloway to name just a few. I have done two coast to coast tours in Canada and have played in the U.S.A. and Europe. Some of my former students have continued in music and risen to prominence; Warren Hill, Grant Stewart, and even The Bare Naked Ladies. I have played in big bands, small groups, in duets and performed in solo formats. The audiences have ranged from large festivals, to jazz clubs, to corporate events and also to private parties.
In the fall of 2001, a serious accident forced me to make changes in my career. Despite a miraculous recovery, it was apparent that lingering disability would not allow me to recover my ability to play the saxophone. I chose to express my music with a different instrument – the vibraphone. My career is back in full swing and I am excited about new opportunities. My New Hat is the title of a recording which has now been released.
The Jive Bombers, has been recently resurrected. As well as playing vibes in this ten piece swing and jump blues band, I have taken on duties as co leader and spokesperson for this outfit. Please take the time to explore some of my recorded music and, if possible, come out to one of our public gigs. Contact me if you have questions.”
ABOUT DEL
As a saxophonist, Del Dako has been a real force on the Canadian jazz scene. In 1995 after the release of his first CD "Balancing Act", onthe Sackville label, he toured nationally winning over fans where ever the band went. In 1998, a second recording"Vindaloo" was made and there was an eighteen city Canadian tour to promote the album.This brought more fans into the fold. In fact, Del was awarded Top Baritone Saxophonist in the ' 93,' 94 and ' 98 Jazz report Awards. Along with this, the band played at Jazz festivals, on television ( "Gabereau Live") and were recorded on "Jazz Beat" with Katie Malloch several times. Del's longstanding involvement in a couple of significant Toronto groups, Shox Johnson and the Jive Bombers and Jim Galloway's Wee Big Band, gave the saxophonist solid grounding in large ensemble playing. But it has always been in a small group setting that he has really shone.
In the last while, Del Dako has turned his attention to the vibes. As a vibraphonist, he has been able to draw on some significant elements of his musical background. Most obviously, the years spent playing the saxophone have given this player a masterful melodic sense. Indeed, Del approaches the new instrument with a 'horn - like' sensibility, something not idiosyncratic to the mallet instruments. Secondly, over the past years the saxophonist has played 'arrangers' piano, to the point where he has been comfortable enough on the instrument to perform regularly in jam sessions.
Finally, it is a little known fact that Del also practised on the drums and became a competent player on those as well.
So with the mallet technique gained from playing the drums, a voicing and harmonic concept garnered from his piano background and perhaps most importantly, a mature melodic sense from his saxophone playing days, Del Dako draws on some formidable sources from his past. His new voice, the vibraphone, is a clear extension of this past.
