Danny Cass

Danny Cass
Irvine – Los Angeles, California

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A native New Yorker, Cass left his home town and transplanted to Southern California about 10 years ago. He passionately loves the people of SoCal, its lifestyle and off course the weather.

He was born into east coast drumming royalty through his father, Joey Cass who was Frankie Valley and The Four Seasons drummer from (phone number hidden)0. Some of the most historical pop hits like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” had Cass’ dad on drums. As a little boy, he went with his dad to gigs, recording sessions and concerts. How would like to be 10 years old hanging in the Record Plant NYC or back stage with countless acts over the years. Cass would take over his dad’s teaching studio off-hours; play along to an eclectic mix of his favorites from Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, The Who, Genesis, Black Sabbath, and countless others. He’s most influenced by his dad’s playing but draws a lot of inspiration from Steve Gadd, John Bonham, Roy Haynes, Kenny Aronoff, and Steve Jordan. Cass studied with his dad on and off his entire life. He learned technique and how to read from dad. More important, he really learned how to lay down a groove from his father. He really believes that feel and groove are a natural thing. Call it genetics or “Whatever you want to”. He also spent a year studying with the legendary Joe Morello which taught Cass precision.

By age 13, he played his first pro/paid gig sitting-in for his dad on a casual with 5 others players who were between 25-30 years older than him. He remembers when his mom driving him to the gig. He forgot his cymbals in which she had to make another trip cross town and return with them. All the guys in the band were pissed at his dad for sending a little boy on a gig. After the first song, age didn’t matter anymore and ended up getting steady work from there on in. By age 17, he went with Joe Scott with the Frank Bennett Orchestras where he learned everything about being a musician. Joe Scott had an amazing set of credentials. He played keys as good as anybody but was a master arranger, producer and conductor. He did some Frankie Valley and The Four Seasons tracks, a massive number of TV and jingle stuff in the 70’s let alone the Grateful Dead and the Movie Bang the Drums Slowly. Scott loved Cass’ playing and developed him as a musician. Cass learned how to think as an arranger and augment the ensemble.

Cass has been with some great musicians throughout his career. His credentials include playing with members of: Bruce Springsteen, Blue Oyster Cult, The David Letterman Show, Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons, Blood Sweat and Tears along with working with Brophy Dale. In the studio, he has also done TV and radio commercials, video sound tracks and various independent artist sessions.
Favorite Bands:
• Steely Dan
• Foo Fighters
• Tower of Power
• Third Day
• Casting Crowns
• Red Hot Chili Peppers

Equipment List (passionately preferred not paid/issued endorsements):
• Yamaha Recording Custom drums
• Handmade custom stave snare drum personally made for Cass by Sal Cannavo & Yamaha Brass custom snare
• Axis pedals
• K-Zildjian, A Custom Zildjian and Istanbul cymbals
• Vater Drumsticks
• Remo Heads