The Danny Ess Project

Percussionist – Stan “Cachimbo” Corpus
This incredible percussionist brings color and flair to the band. He comes from a Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban Folkloric background. You never know what instrument he’ll pull out of his bag of tricks. He uses a collection of instruments built all over the world. He is a builder of Handmade Afro Caribbean Instruments specializing in hand built Chekeres. You will enjoy Stan and our Drummer Devin doing a lot of incredible call and response features in our pieces.

Lead Guitarist / Songwriter – Danny “Ess”
After putting down his jazz trumpet 25 years ago, he walked away from music and the dreams of becoming a musician. Several days past Christmas of 2005, he decided to pickup a guitar and he never put it down. In his early days he did not know how to play a single chord, but only knew what note would fit in a piece. Today, many great guitarists such as Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, and the great BB King has influenced him and can often be heard in his playing. Danny wrote many of the originals used in the performances. In all cases, you will feel the emotion portrayed in his absolute stunning soulful leads.

Drummer – Devin Lawson
This solid twenty-five year veteran – knows how to bring the dynamics and the flair to the music. He has played many genre of music in his past. In his early days, he was involved in a touring Hollywood band. He brings very nice syncopated rhythms to the mix of the band. It is an absolute pleasure when he and the percussionist begin their call and response.

Keys / Songwriter / Vocals – James Calvin
This very gifted musician is the hidden sleeper of the group. As we were looking for a vocalist he said he could step in for us. He comes from a family of blues lovers, but being the rebel he expanded into R&B, Punk Rock, and other alternative type music. His calming voice and nice keys augment the band very nicely.

Bass Guitarist – Ray Lopez
Ray hails from the space coast of Florida and moved to Southern California in the early 70’s. He soon became a part of the music, surfing and art community to express his emphatic style. Ray is self taught in music and art. He has his own way to approach these arts. With a rich variety of music that he absorbed as a kid to today influences, he combined everything he has cultivated from all genres of music. There is no extent of what he will listen to and expend from. “An open mind leaves a chance for something to drop a worthwhile thought in it”