Dan Morison – Steady On
It was the kind of gig where you appropriately wear a coat and tie. A country club affair in honor of a choir and its beloved leader. White table cloths. Wait staff that refers to you as “M’am” and “Sir.”
During this occasion, I briefly met a one Mr. Dan Morison who was singing with the choir. Our initial conversation actually facilitated interviewing the choir director for this article at that time. Neat.
A few weeks later I meet Dan again at a jam at the Maplewood. The context of it all threw me for a loop initially. But, over the next year or so, I begain to see Dan in the light of being a drummer…even jamming once or twice.
Outstanding gentleman. Fierce hands as a drummer. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Dan Morison.
Chuck Schiele: How did you get started in music? Were drums your first instrument?
Dan Morison: I think I was born a drummer. My parents bought me a Fisher-Price drum when I was 2 years old followed by a “play” drum set at 5 years old. They say I used to play all the time.
CS: They started you out with the top-o-the-line gear, too! Please share a brief history of your music career.
DM: In third grade I was given a 40 year old Leady drum set from my Aunt Ruth. It was her husband Bill’s kit who had died years earlier. (I wish I still had that one!) I took a couple of lessons from our paper boy to get me started. His name is Rick Schneider. (brother of Dave Schneider…aka, Big D) In fourth grade I joined concert band and chorus. In middle school I stayed in concert band, chorus and added musicals (pit orchestra) and marching band. In high school I was in concert band, marching band, jazz band, and select chorus directed by Dan D’Agostino. I had an eight year hiatus after high school to learn my trade. (Tool Maker) In the early 90’s, I was back at it with some local bands. Most notably, Sammy Award nominated Bernie Clarke and the Rhythm Sharks. I backed off once again to start a family while filling in for some bands. Somewhere around 2008, I have been steadily playing and loving every minute of it!
CS: Who are some of the drummers who shaped the drummer you are today?
DM: There are almost too many to mention. I grew up in the Classic Rock era so, John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Steve Gadd, Danny Seraphine, etc. There’s also many local drummers whom I have learned from, look up to, and have great respect for. Any one of them could be on the national scene.
CS: Who are some of the projects and groups you are involved with right now?
DM: Jes Sheldon and the Stewards of Sol, Gold Dust Gypsies, and Joel Kane’s Uptown are my main bands. Other projects or fill-in gigs this year include: Butternut Creek Revival, Tangled Roots, Morris Tarbell and the Hepcats, Tom Townsley, Jane Zell, and a cool project with Chuck Schiele called Surf School.
CS: Ironically, our initial introduction was in a situation where you were part of a choir. Please share with us your involvements as a vocalist.
DM: I’m far from a lead vocalist, however I do sing backing vocals in many projects. Also for the last six years I have been singing in the Syracuse Pops Chorus. We perform a few shows per year with what’s now called The Syracuse Orchestra. (formerly Symphoria)
CS: Please share with us some highlights from your music career.
DM: Singing with my father in the Syracuse Pops Chorus is by far the biggest highlight. Singing with The Syracuse Orchestra has to be next on the list. What a great honor to sing with such fine musicians. Playing in the Landmark Theater, NYS Blues Festival, and Taste of Syracuse was also notable. I must give some love to all the local establishments who keep local music alive.
CS: Please share your thoughts on the Syracuse and central New York music scene.
DM: I call local musicians my Musical Family. We have such a warm, friendly, and talented group of musicians here in the Syracuse area. All very supportive of each other. I’m blessed to be part of this group.
CS: Your best advice to budding musicians is?
DM: I suppose I could wrap it up in one phrase…Be Professional. Here are things to remember: learn the basics of your craft / build from there, invest in quality equipment, do your homework. Know your music well. Serve the music. Don’t over play. Tune drums before each gig. Be early for gigs. Warm up hands and feet before gigs. Dress appropriately for the gig. Get out of your comfort zone every chance you can. Always listen. It’s all about playing together as a band. Magic happens when all are playing cohesively. Playing music is an un-spoken conversation with the audience. Look around and enjoy your audience. If they ain’t movin,’ you ain’t groovin.’ Most of all, have Fun!
CS: What is in your musical near future?
DM: Keep learning. There is no finish line in music. I’m always looking for ways to get better. Finally…just enjoying where my musical path takes me. I’d like to thank all of the music fans who support live music. Without you, Syracuse bands would be non-existent.
CS: Thank you, very much, Dan, for taking a little time to chat with us at Sounds of Syracuse.
DM: Thanks Chuck for the opportunity. I appreciate your contribution to our local music scene.
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