Dr. Sean Daniels Trio

About the Artists…..

Sean Daniels has been playing all types of music for most of his life. Musicians that have inspired him include the late great Lionel Hampton, Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, Bobby Hutcherson and James Latimer. He has had the opportunity to perform with artists Lou Rawls, Kenny Garrett, Tommy Newsome, Carl Allen, Rufus Reid and others. He has performed as a percussionist with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Westerville Civic Symphony, Virginia Ballet Orchestra, and the Virginia Beach Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Daniels was a Concerto winner and featured soloist with the Ohio State University Orchestra. He has been a guest soloist with Benedict College Jazz Ensemble, Fort Monroe Army Jazz Band and most recently with the Tennessee State University Wind Ensemble. Dr. Daniels has studied with Jazz artists Gerri Allen, Dick Sisto, Ed Saindon, Hank Marr, Lori Mechem and Billy Taylor.

John Birdsong has been described as one of the most “soulful” upright jazz bass players in the Nashville area. John is applauded by Donald Brown, well-respected jazz pianist (Grammy-nominee), for his ability to “lay down the groove and maintain a steady pulse.” Throughout his college career at Tennessee State University, he performed on cornet with the prestigious TSU Aristocrat of Bands with fellow musicians Billy Pierce, Thomas Cain, Rock Williams, Wayne Hill and C. C. Johnson. Although he wanted to pursue music as a major, he was encouraged by family and friends to pursue other career options. He ultimately received a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence degree and a national certification in Business and Economic Development. He worked with the State of Tennessee for 37 years during which time he served as a Director within the Department of Economic Development for Tennessee and as the State Director of Title VI Compliance Commission until his retirement. John has performed with Melba Moore, Hugh Masekela, Paula West, Mulgrew Miller, Ernie Watts, Frank Morgan, Hank Crawford, Dr. Andrew Goodrich, Sonny Fortune, Winard Harper, David "Fathead" Newman, Curtis Fuller, Donald Brown and other extremely talented artists. John receives strong support for his passion for music from his wife/manager, Michelle Westbrook Birdsong and children, Carlos, Tisola and Alec. John’s philosophy is “It’s never too late for me to learn and finally pursue my dreams in music. If I can’t be a star…I consider myself blessed to be among the stars.”

Thomas Lee Spann, Jr. a native of Pineville, South Carolina started out his musical aspirations at the age of 6 in gospel music. Thomas attended Benedict College where he was the principle player for the colleges Wind Ensemble and Jazz Bands. He graduated Cum Laude from Benedict College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in General Music. He recently received his Master Degree in Music Education for Tennessee State University where he became a member of the Collegians Jazz Ensemble. Playing in the Collegians provided Thomas with the opportunity to win a best drum set soloist award at the University of North Texas 2009 Jazz Festival