Dubble D

Having worked as a professional drummer for 15 years Danny Ward has clocked up plenty of nocturnal hours on the live circuit. He’s toured with a variety of artists from contemporary electronic to classical jazz spending countless hours on stage in smoky clubs, concert halls and festivals. Drawing on his live experience, Danny began working on his own productions just a few years ago and the results speak for themselves with two excellent solo albums (Reachin’ Out / Playin’ Out), one as part of 2020Soundsystem (No Order) and a series of EPs.
His first two solo EPs Multiply and Mingin became underground hits and Danny began to get props from a number of well-known producers. One of these producers happened to be Mr Scruff, who gave Danny a music category of his very own: Jazz-rave. As with all things said in jest, this was pretty much spot on. It’s a little-known fact that many jazz heads are actually the biggest ravers and Danny is a perfect example. Staddling the two worlds, Danny's music makes you stick your hands in the air and carefully stroke your beard at the same time.
Danny made us ponder on how best to pull off this move again when he released his debut solo album Reachin’ Out in 2005, drawing on his love of jazz, house, hip-hop, reggae and soul. The album brought together a diversity of musical genres and some of the key artists from each scene. Internationally renowned musicians such as Flora Purim, Nightmares on Wax, Diane Charlemagne, Q-ball & Curt Cazal, Kate Rogers and Fingathing’s Peter Parker all contributed to the album after being inspired by Danny's work. The result was a stunning release which put him on the map as a serious album artist and paved the way for this year’s follow-up Playin’ Out. As the title suggests, Playin’ Out showcases Danny’s skills as a DJ and was inspired by both his pre-band sets for 2020Soundsystem and also long hours listening to Jay Dilla's Donuts on the tour bus. Danny joined forces with Ralph Lawson to develop the label’s new live act 2020Soundsystem in 2004 along with label mates Silver City. They have gone on to tour the world since releasing their massively successful debut No Order in 2006 and are currently holed up in Sweatshop Studios once more finishing off their new album chalked up for release in spring 2008.
On top of his solo work and productions with 2020Soundsystem, Danny has plenty of experience working with a variety of other artists and in fact his CV reads like a who’s who of jazz and electronic music. He has worked as musical director and percussionist for Rae & Christian, toured with AIM and has produced with Fila Brazilia, Only Child, Chapter & the Verse and The Pharcyde. Alongside these contemporary artists, Danny also has one foot in the more classical side of things, touring with internationally acclaimed jazz musician Tony Kofi and Israeli jazz saxophonist Gilad Atzmon.