Daniel Sadownick

PERCUSSION/MUSIC PROGRAMMING

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79 Reviews (73 Verified)
Daniel Sadownick on SoundBetter

Percussionist and Beat Programmer for Taylor Swift, Norah Jones, The Roots, Michael Brecker and Steely Dan providing excellent Percussion and Beats for your Songs/Album.

My name is Daniel and I have been a percussionist and Beat Programmer for 30 years, recording and on the road with Taylor Swift, Jewel, Joe Bonamassa, Steely Dan, Norah Jones, Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven), Bette Midler, Al Green, Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, Maxwell, Coheed & Cambria and many others. I will record perfect percussion tracks for your songs or album. I am also a skilled Drum Programmer and I will deliver you perfectly edited, mixed Music and Beats for you.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Daniel Sadownick
  • Nigel Kennedy
  • The Vision
  • John Ellis
  • Andy Bragen
  • Philippe & Gabriel
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Little Steven
  • Norah Jones
  • Jane Monheit
  • Jane Monheit
  • Oz Noy
  • Brooklyn Funk Essentials
  • Natalie Imbruglia
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Etienne Charles
  • Etienne Charles
  • Etienne Charles
  • Tomás Doncker
  • Tomás Doncker
  • Jewel
  • Jewel
  • Jewel
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Simphonie Orchester Basel
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Lael Summer
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Maya Azucena
  • Maxwell
  • Gordon Chambers
  • Taylor Swift
  • Jacques Schwarz-Bart
  • Christine Vaindirlis
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Okou
  • Al Jarreau
  • Fito & Fitipaldis
  • Willy Catt
  • Willy Catt
  • James Silberstein
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Nicholas Payton
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • Al Green
  • Tim Warfield
  • Tim Warfield
  • Tim Warfield
  • Alex Sipiagin
  • Alex Sipiagin
  • Earth Jazz Agents
  • Earth Jazz Agents
  • Morley
  • Morley
  • Daniel Sadownick
  • Daniel Sadownick
  • ism
  • Kyra Gaunt
  • Morris Robinson
  • The Baby Loves Jazz Band
  • Marlene Rice
  • Gordon Chambers
  • Monday Michiru
  • Kendra Ross
  • Eric Person
  • Eric Person
  • Eisa Davis
  • Eran James
  • David Hazeltine
  • David Hazeltine
  • Nestor Torres
  • Nestor Torres
  • Kyoto Jazz Massive
  • Nigel Kennedy
  • Jack DeJohnette
  • Ron Carter
  • Danny Sadownick
  • Lucky Peterson
  • Nigel Kennedy
  • Jack DeJohnette
  • Ron Carter
  • Danny Sadownick
  • Lucky Peterson
  • Nigel Kennedy
  • Jack DeJohnette
  • Ron Carter
  • Danny Sadownick
  • Lucky Peterson
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Ayọ
  • Ayọ
  • Juliette Gréco
  • Mark Elf
  • Mark Elf
  • Jazzhole
  • Fito & Fitipaldis
  • Pat Martino
  • Pat Martino
  • Janice Friedman
  • Janice Friedman
  • Pamela Luss
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Marlon Saunders
  • Soulive
  • Morley
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Coheed and Cambria
  • Angie Stone
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Janita
  • Hollins Steele
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Raul Midón
  • Angie Stone
  • Sherri Roberts
  • Sherri Roberts
  • Sonic Trance
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Sonic Trance
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Jon Cleary
  • Philippe Saisse Acoustique Trio
  • Martha Redbone
  • Martha Redbone
  • Spyro Gyra
  • Spyro Gyra
  • Leni Stern
  • Jonathan Townes
  • Jonathan Townes
  • Marlon Saunders
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Nicholas Payton
  • Michael Weiss
  • Christian McBride
  • Michael Brecker
  • Michael Brecker
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Donald Brown
  • Monday Michiru
  • Nestor Torres
  • Dennis Chambers
  • Dennis Chambers
  • Frank London
  • Ned Otter
  • LiveArt
  • LiveArt
  • Toshi Reagon
  • Abenaa
  • Abenaa
  • Abenaa
  • Donald Brown
  • Mark Soskin
  • Mark Soskin
  • David Fiuczynski
  • David Fiuczynski
  • Syleena Johnson
  • Syleena Johnson
  • Syleena Johnson
  • Syleena Johnson
  • Alana Davis
  • Dean Brown
  • Dean Brown
  • Dean Brown
  • Incognito
  • Incognito
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Love Seed Mama Jump
  • Angie Stone
  • Mathilde Santing
  • Marty Thomas
  • Nestor Torres
  • Nestor Torres
  • Melvin Rhyne
  • George Coleman
  • David Fiuczynski
  • Khaled
  • Khaled
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Carolyn Leonhart
  • Steely Dan
  • Steely Dan
  • Nelson Rangell
  • Meshell Ndegeocello
  • Melvin Rhyne
  • LaMont Johnson
  • Joe Magnarelli
  • Maxwell
  • David Binney
  • From Good Homes
  • Nelson Rangell
  • David Yazbek
  • Yazbek
  • Vincent Herring
  • Frank London
  • Frank London
  • Julian Coryell
  • David Schumacher
  • Nelson Rangell
  • Joe Gallant
  • David Schumacher
  • David Schumacher
  • Kevin Hays
  • Kevin Hays
  • David Yazbek
  • Yazbek
  • David Yazbek
  • Yazbek
  • David Yazbek
  • Yazbek
  • Betty
  • Betty
  • Betty
  • Melvin Rhyne
  • Meshell Ndegeocello
  • Robert Miller
  • The Rake's Progress
  • Charles & Eddie
  • Dave Stryker
  • Denise Jannah
  • David Binney
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Screaming Headless Torsos
  • Steve Wilson
  • Carl Allen
  • Joe Magnarelli
  • LaVerne Butler
  • Vincent Herring
  • Lost Tribe
  • Jerry Weldon
  • Dewey Redman
  • Charles & Eddie
  • Donald Brown
  • Marla Mase
  • Defected Radio
  • Noah Haidu
  • Rene Lopez
  • Gabriel Carámbula
  • Glitterbox
  • Simon Dunmore
  • Seamus Haji
  • Gary Foote
  • Ryan Shaw
  • Sofi Bonde
  • Gedeon Luke & the People
  • Alan Grubner's Firelight Ensemble
  • The City Boys Allstars
  • Brady Rymer
  • Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could
  • Brady Rymer
  • Brady Rymer & the Little Band That Could
  • Dean Brown
  • S U M
  • Lisa Maxwell
  • Tomás Doncker
  • Bella D
  • Ramon Taranco
  • Jerry Weldon

79 Reviews - 18 Repeat Clients

Endorse Daniel Sadownick
  1. Review by William H.
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    Daniel did it again! Very fast turnaround and amazing performance!
    He just gets it and is a total professional. Thanks again, Daniel!

  2. Review by Shan M.
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    Daniel really is a pro, in every way. Such a tremendous talent and during our time working on this project, he was there at any time for any reason and immediately responded to whatever I asked of him and he did it right. Great Job Daniel. Thank you!!!

  3. Review by Luke Scheybeler
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    Daniel turned this round for me in literally hours. (Not promising he'll always be able to do that tho) but the dude is a machine. Perfect.

  4. Review by Jayne M.
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    Daniel is extremely understanding and patient. A competent musician and prompt with his work and communication. It is always a pleasure to work with Daniel.
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  5. Review by Angus G.
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    Daniel is a dream to work with. Super quick. Great communication. Came up with some excellent parts, recorded very well!

  6. Review by Marcelo G.
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    Such an incredible guy, amazing work! 100% professional

  7. Review by Angus G.
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    Fantastic! Highly recommend Daniel's work!

  8. Review by Luke S
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    by Luke S
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    Fast, professional, great communicator and grooves like a m*****f****.

    Thanks Daniel, it was a pleasure.

  9. Review by musicislife
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    Such a great experience working with Daniel. He’s such a talented musician, but he’s also a great communicator which makes the experience that much more enjoyable. A true professional in every sense of the word. A+

  10. Review by Michael P.
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    Working with Daniel is like skipping the checkout line at the grocery store! He gets working, adeptly moves through the ideas, and is very receptive to the thoughts of the artist. He is such an exceptional musician. His balanced approach is amazing. I am so pleased with how the parts came out.

  11. Review by William H.
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    Daniel was a pleasure to work with, extremely fast, and an amazing drummer! I could not recommend him more highly!! Thank you!

  12. Review by Jayne M.
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    Daniel is always professional and produces excellent results. The speed at which he completes the job to a high standard is exceptional. Great talent and expertise ⭐️

  13. Review by Ron B.
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    by Ron B.
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    Daniel is a fantastic percussionist and all around nice dude who gets what your music needs and does it real fast. Actually though, I think he is a wizard who waves his magic wand and breathes life into your project. At least that was my experience.
    Do not hesitate to hire Daniel Sadownick. You will be glad you did.

  14. Review by Jonny W.
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    Great artistry, great technique, great recordings, great collaborator!!! Can’t wait to work with him again!!!

  15. Review by Joshua S.
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    This was my second time involving Daniel's percussion in one of my songs. This time I asked him to record some suspended cymbal rolls in a duet ballad that I wrote. He recorded plenty of rolls to give me more than adequate material and did it within just one day! They sound great. He is a highly skilled percussionist and I highly recommend him for any percussion needs.

  16. Review by Justin M.
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    Amazingly fast delivery and perfect execution on our song! A+

  17. Review by Chris
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    by Chris
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    You will not find a better drummer to work with. Strong communication. Usually ahead of schedule. Can you believe that? Ahead of schedule! Who does that?! His performances are strong and takes direction very well. Hire him now!

  18. Review by Giorgino
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    Amazing work. Made my song so much better!

  19. Review by Chris
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    by Chris
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    Incredible drummer. Second to none. His confidence in his playing = 10. His flexibility = 10. His excellent communication skills = 11! I cannot give higher praise!

  20. Review by Q13
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    by Q13
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    Daniel is amazing !!! He knows how to feeeeeeeeel what you want , so swiftly , he intuits so precisely, I am convinced he is tapped into a divine source of energy . I am not tormented by this song any more ! Yay 🔥 oh my gaw!!! I was really miserable 😩… without these big giant Amazonian Godzilla booms and bangs ooooh!!! That I needed … for this song . I was scheduled to master the song as it was … but I could not live with myself I couldn’t sleep or eat . I neeeded these thunderstorms drums.

Interview with Daniel Sadownick

  1. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  2. A: When I played on Michael Brecker's Grammy Winning album called "Wide Angles". Ever since I was a teen I had been listening to fusion greats like Michael and Billy Cobham, Return To Forever, Weather Report. I must have played Billy Cobham's album "Crosswinds" a thousand times when I was a kid. To hear Michael's beautiful solo on Heather used to make me tear up. And then, twenty years later, with hard work I was able to grace the stage with Mike and to be on this beautiful album alongside Antonio Sanchez, John Patitucci, Gil Goldstein, etc.

  3. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  4. A: Writing compositions for my next album.

  5. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  6. A: Analog to listen to (such as vinyl, etc.) Digital for recording. So many advancements have been made to make it easier for artists to record and to get their music across by means of many social mediums.

  7. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  8. A: To provide the best percussion tracks you ever heard. And, to deliver them on time.

  9. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  10. A: I love everything about being a musician and recording artist. The friendships that I have made along the way, the experience of traveling to many countries and experiencing different worlds and cultures.

  11. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  12. A: I always ask "Is there is something in particular or, a specific instrument/part that you want me to focus on?" I will get some direction from them but most of the time the artist will say "I trust you."

  13. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  14. A: That a percussionist will overplay. I won't do that.

  15. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  16. A: 1. Which instruments are you thinking of for each song? 2. Do you have a chart or sheet music? 3. What genre does your music resemble the most?

  17. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  18. A: I will put my heart and soul into your project. My resume is indicative of the work that I have provided for these wonderful artists and I look forward to having the honor of adding my percussion to your creations.

  19. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  20. A: My computer, my interface, my pre-amp, my microphones and my headphones.

  21. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  22. A: Ever since I was 5 years old I knew I wanted to be a drummer. Fast forward to Junior High School in the Bronx and at graduation I was awarded the medal for Best Musician. At New York University, where I received my Bachelor's and Master's Degree I also was awarded the honor of Best Musician in my graduating class. I was also awarded the Presser Scholar, a prestigious award. I am proud of the fact that I always was noticed by my professors and peers and that I applied myself in vigorous ways. I am proud to say that a percussionist received these honors instead of the violoins, brass, etc. After graduating I joined Lionel Hampton's band for two years and made numerous and wonderful connections that have led me to be on tour and record with Taylor Swift, Steely Dan, Al Green, Al Jarreau, Norah Jones, Jewel, Beyonce and Maxwell. In the jazz realm, I have been blessed to record with Michael Brecker (Wide Angles), Christian McBride (Vertical Vision), Pat Martino (Tribute To Wes Montgomery), etc.

  23. Q: How would you describe your style?

  24. A: My style is the New York City Style. In other words, being blessed to have grown up in the cultural capital of the world is something that I cherish.So many different genres are played by all of the best NY musicians. They can do anything and everything. I want to follow in those footsteps.

  25. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  26. A: Santana. Because I have been listening to Santana ever since I was a kid and always admired how he was so ingenious by bringing to the forefront the combination of Pop Music and Latin Music.

  27. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  28. A: Don't be afraid to experiment. Try unusual mic setups and EQ's.

  29. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  30. A: Pop, Rock, Jazz, Latin, World

  31. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  32. A: I believe I possess the power of being able to provide the nastiest groove on a song. So many percussionists overplay and meander away from what the song calls for. I play exactly what is needed for each song and then complement it by putting all of my soul into the part.

  33. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  34. A: I bring passion along with precision. I want to give my client perfectly edited percussion tracks in which my client does not have to edit anything major.

  35. Q: What's your typical work process?

  36. A: I study the song, make notes and map out every Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus & Bridge. I then track each instrument according to which timbre will go best with each section. I want to know the song and deliver the best part possible for my client.

  37. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  38. A: I have many varieties of Congas, Timbales, Bongos and other percussion instruments. My recording setup is ProTools Version 12, Focusrite Scarlett i818 Interface, Universal Audio Pre-amps. Microphones: SHURE SM7B, AKG, RODE NT1, SHURE SM57

  39. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  40. A: Ron St. Germain, Bob Powers, Robert Sadin, Bassy Bob Brockman Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Beatles, Miles Davis

  41. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  42. A: Provide percussion tracks of all styles for your songs or album.

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Daniel Sadownick - Lucky Day

I was the Mixing Engineer, Percssionist in this production


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    Daniel Sadownick - Lucky Day
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    Steely Dan - Two Against Nature
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    Daniel Sadownick Steady
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    Steven Van Zandt (Little Steven) - Soulfire
Terms Of Service

1 Revision For Free, Other Revisions are $20 each. You will receive your percussion tracks in 2 days maximum.

GenresSounds Like
  • Taylor Swift
  • Steely Dan
  • Kesha
Gear Highlights
  • Congas
  • Bongos
  • Timbales
  • Tambourines
  • Shakers
  • Cowbells
  • Various African
  • Brazilian & Cuban Percussion
  • ProTools 12
  • Universal Audio Pre-Amps
  • All microphones
  • AKG
  • SHURE
  • RODE
  • etc.
More Photos