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Daniel Kassell

Daniel seeks out Swing-Jazz to video exceptional artists at Live-Performance events

About Me

Daniel reviews significant jazz books, DVD's, Movies, plays on Broadway, Live-Performance Swing-Jazz events as a Documentary Videographer for WATCH JAZZ HAPPEN and collects Jazz Memorabilia. Daniel Kassell is member of the: Jazz Journalists Association, The Duke Ellington Society and the New Jersey Jazz Society since 1972. He was recognized for “keeping jazz alive for marketing by the Jazz Foundation of America As Director of Authentic Marketing, Daniel promoted the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band's documentary film “The Last of the First” shown at the 2004 Tribeca Film Fest; Initiated the 100th birthday Celebration for guitarist Lawrence “Larry” Lucie at Local 802 supported by the Jazz Foundation of America. Hosted Fats Wallers' long time rhythm guitarist Al Casey at Chez Suzette and Shutters Cafe; Publicized the 2006 re-opening of Minton's Playhouse and acted as MC on opening night; Renewed Copeland's Uptown Restaurant and Creole's Supper Club jazz events in the Barrio; Initiated Marketing for the Harlem Jazz and Gospel Getaway-a B&B; Consulted with Rebecca Weller to present 6 Midsummer Night Swing evenings 1992-96; Can be found at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem or out and about around town wearing a rhinestone JAZZ pin for sale in support of the Jazz Foundation of America while shooting digital HD footage as an Independent Jazz Documentary Producer for WatchJazzHappen. org Google “Daniel Kassell Jazz” to update.

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My Jazz Story

I love jazz because Fat's Waller was funny! I love "Swing-Jazz" I was first exposed listening to my Uncle Abe's Steinway player piano rolls in Astoria, Queens in 1954. I met Stride Jazz pianist Donald Lambert during my first year in college at Drew U, Madison NJ and was fascinated by his complex rhythms. in 1960. The first jazz record I bought was Benny Goodman's Carnegie Hall Concert 1938 that led me to investigate his influences in Algiers, New Orleans. The best show I ever attended and reviewed for AllAboutJazz.com is The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and Vince Giordano's Nighthawks at Liberty State Park's Fireworks Concert, July 4th, 2000. My advice to new listeners is: Close your eyes and find the rhythm in your fingers.