Quotes
“ Your playing last night (Triad's first rehearsal for 2019) amazed me. In particular, when you introduced us to the Kim Arnesen piece, I couldn't believe how sensitively you could communicate the intent of the composer. Whatever you did, it helped enrapture me in the essence of the piece. It has haunted me (in a good way) since.”
— Dave M. - Member of Triad Arts Ensemble Choir
“Relaxing, graceful, calming are the words that come to mind when listening to Dan Crisci's latest single appropriately entitled Star Gaze. In fact many things come to mind as Dan's piece will melt away your troubles and allow you to really relax as peaceful thoughts swirl around in your head. Star Gaze is a solo piano composition in the style of a jazz ballad, with a focus on meditation, designed to evoke a calming and tranquil experience for the listener. The flowing elegance of the melody paired with the contemplative nature of the chord structure will have you mesmerized in no time and drifting off before you even finish reading this review.”
— Erik Anderson (Radio Airplay)
“ Dan is a quietly inventive pianist and a skilled composer of subtle yet memorable melodies.”
— Scott Yanow - Jazz Historian/Journalist
“We're kicking off our holiday songs at home tonight with Dan's outstanding Christmas Impressions CD. Sets the mood beautifully!”
— Don and Kelli C. - Fans
Bios
Dan Crisci Bio: short version
Dan Crisci, pianist and composer, has performed in the New York/New Jersey area since 1984. He has played at numerous clubs, concerts, New Year’s Eve First Night performances, private events, and church services. He has played with musicians such as vocalists Brynn Stanley and Bill Robinson, guitarist John Carlini, bassist Sue Williams, violinist Zach Brock, and with his wife Ginny Johnston (vocals, drums, clarinet).
Dan has released five albums, three of which feature his original music, and he has been the accompanist for the Triad Arts Ensemble Choir for over 20 years. He has also played many events for the Discovery Orchestra, appearing in two episodes of their television show Fall in Love With Music, which debuted on Public Television in 2016.
Dan Crisci Bio: medium version
Dan Crisci, pianist and composer, has performed in the New York/New Jersey area since 1984 at clubs such as Birdland in New York City, and Shanghai Jazz and Van Gogh’s Ear in New Jersey. He has performed at many concert series, including the Bridgewater Library series, and in several New Year’s Eve First Night performances. He has played with musicians such as vocalists Brynn Stanley and Bill Robinson, guitarist John Carlini, bassist Sue Williams, and violinist Zach Brock.
Dan and his wife Ginny Johnston (vocals, drums, clarinet) performed concerts from Dan’s Facebook page during the pandemic in 2020, and played several outdoor concerts in 2020 and 2021, including the Maplewood Village Sunset Music Series in Maplewood, NJ. and the Friends of Whittemore Summer Garden Concert Series in Oldwick, NJ. Dan and Ginny also served as co ministers of music at the Springfield Emanuel United Methodist Churchfrom 1999-2006, and Dan continues to fill in as pianist at various local churches when needed, including at his home church, Ignite United Methodist Church in Kenilworth, NJ.
Dan has released five albums, three of which feature his original music. The latest album, Asked and Answered, was released in 2019 and was honored with a Global Music Award.
Dan has been the accompanist for the Triad Arts Ensemble Choir for over 20 years, and has also played many events for the Discovery Orchestra, appearing in two episodes of their television show Fall in Love With Music, which debuted on Public Television in 2016.
Since 2014, Dan has studied the Taubman approach to piano playing with Sondra Tammam. From 2015-2021, he has presented a workshop at the annual Taubman Piano Festival at Montclair State University on incorporating this approach into jazz piano playing.