“Music stimulates the mind as it nourishes the soul”
After nearly 40 years of recognition as one of the consummate sidemen on the adventurous music scene
– with remarkable artists like Sam Rivers, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Taj Mahal and so many
more – Joseph Daley stunned musicians and fans alike with his brilliant CD, The Seven Deadly Sins,
released in 2011. The album also received rave reviews and made several Best of 2011 lists. Featuring
his Earth Tones Ensemble (a full Jazz orchestra augmented by six additional low-toned horns, and
including a seven-member rhythm section and four special guests), this powerfully innovative music
mines the same rich vein of musical expression as that of immortals like Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington
and George Russell.
Whether performing with his large ensemble; with his evocative
Ebony Brass Quintet; or in the sparer
solo, duo or trio contexts; sheer musicality, deeply-hewn emotion and jubilant innovation are always at
the core of Joseph’s most singular musical expression. Best known for playing the tuba, Joseph also
plays euphonium and valve trombone; but these days his growing reputation as a visionary composer is
bringing him worldwide acclaim.
Born in New York City’s Harlem, Joseph began his musical studies in elementary school and received
high honors and recognition throughout his school years (including the renowned High School of Music
and Art), and was a member of the most prestigious ensembles in the New York City school system.
During his high school years, he began performing on the Latin music scene – well-known as one of
the most powerful foundations of higher musical learning – performing alongside such fine musicians as
Rene McLean, Monquito Santamaria, Andy Gonzalez, Alex Blake and many others.
A scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music resulted in his Bachelor’s degree in Performance and
a Master’s degree in Music Education and led to a career as an educator in the New York and New
Jersey school systems from 1976 until his retirement in 2005. Heavily dedicated to the education of
young people to the highest values in musical understanding and expression, Joseph balanced his
extensive educational commitments with recording and performing in the ensembles of some of the most
provocative musicians on the contemporary jazz scene. In addition to those mentioned above, Joseph
contributed heavily to groups led by other major artists including Muhal Richard Abrams, Makanda
Ken McIntyre, Jason Hwang and Dave Douglas, and was an original member of Howard Johnson’s
groundbreaking tuba ensemble, Gravity. He has also been a longtime collaborator with the highly
respected composer/ethnomusicologist and master of non-Western instruments, Bill Cole, a relationship
that is still intact.
Joseph is also currently a member of the highly eclectic ensemble Hazmat Modine, under the direction of
musician and visual artist Wade Schuman. It was Schuman’s paintings that helped inspire the creation of
Daley’s Seven Deadly Sins project, which was developed at the McDowell Colony in 2001.
In addition to his Earth Tones Ensemble, Ebony Brass Quintet, duo and trio collaborations and his solo performances,
Joseph’s focus right now is on his next recording project, The Seven Virtues, featuring a large string ensemble.
He has also designed an extensive series of educational projects for the university level and
will be embarking on a series of residency and performance-based projects starting in the 2012/2013 season.
Summing up the purpose and commitment of Joseph Daley….
“If the music I compose provides one with a sense of beauty,
inner peace and introspection then I am pleased”
Performance Experience
Sam Rivers Trio, Quartet and Orchestra - U.S. and European Tours
Earl, Joe, HoJo, Bob - Florida 2006
Awards
- National Endowment for the Arts Award for Music Composition
- NJ Outstanding Teacher Recognition Award
- MacDowell Colony Fellow
- Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation Fellow
- Music Omni Fellow