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The Squid's Ear Magazine

Levin, Daniel

At Dropa House

Levin, Daniel: At Dropa House (Squid Note Records)

Blending classical cello lineage with fearless experimentalism, Daniel Levin presents a solo performance recorded at Dropa House in Antwerp, exploring the instrument's full expressive range through extended techniques, resonant bow work, and theatrical gestures using paper, chair, and stage, creating a fluid dialogue between structured tone, abstract texture, and the physical presence of sound.
 

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Daniel Levin-cello, paper, chair, stage

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Label: Squid Note Records
Catalog ID: SQN 005
Squidco Product Code: 37302

Format: DIGITAL
Condition: New
Released: 2026
Country: USA
Packaging: Digital Release on Bandcamp
Recorded on April 6, 2025 by Koen Vandenhoudt at Dropa House, Antwerp. Mixed by Nick Lloyd at Firehouse 12, New Haven. Mastered by Phil Zampino.
Descriptions, Reviews, &c.

Artist Biographies

"Daniel Levin is "one of the outstanding cellists working in the vanguard arena" (All About Jazz), "ridiculously fluent, virtually overflowing with ideas" (New York City Jazz Record) and "very much the man to watch." (Penguin Guide to Jazz). No matter what setting he plays in, cellist Daniel Levin occupies a musical space bordered by many kinds of music, but fully defined by none of them.

"Demonstrating an impressive breadth of texture and contrast, the cellist Daniel Levin comes well prepared for a career in jazz's contemporary avant-garde." (Nate Chinen, The New York Times).

Elements of European classical music, American jazz, microtonal and new music, and European free improvisation all figure prominently in his unique sound. As critic John Sharpe observes in The New York City Jazz Record, "he invokes all manner of musics with prodigious skill: jazz, classical, improv, noise, vocal chorus. His technique is unquestioned and he revels in the physicality of the instrument. Those with an adventurous streak or interest in the outer reaches of the cello universe will find much to savor."

Born in Burlington, Vermont, he began playing the cello at the age of six. In 2001, he graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies from the New England Conservatory of Music, and arrived on New York City jazz scene shortly therafter. Since then, Daniel has developed his own unique voice as a cellist, improviser, and composer. Ed Hazell noted upon release of Levin's first record as a leader, "Cellist Daniel Levin is a major new voice on his instrument and in improvised music." He has performed and/or recorded with Billy Bang, Borah Bergman, Tim Berne, Anthony Braxton, Gerald Cleaver, Andrew Cyrille, Mark Dresser, Ingebrigt Haker Flaten, Tony Malaby, Mat Maneri, Joe Morris, William Parker, Ivo Perelman, Warren Smith, Ken Vandermark, and many others. Daniel is the recipient of a 2010 Jerome Foundation award."

-Daniel Levin Website (http://daniel-levin.com/about)
4/20/2026

Have a better biography or biography source? Please Contact Us so that we can update this biography.


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Digital Releases
March 2026
Improvised Music
Free Improvisation
Stringed Instruments
Objects and Home-made Instruments
Solo Artist Recordings
Staff Picks & Recommended Items
New in Improvised Music
Recent Releases and Best Sellers

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Squid Note Records.

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The Squid's Ear Magazine

The Squid's Ear Magazine

© 2002-, Squidco LLC

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