Dan Greenleaf’s live show captures the raw emotion, energy, and deep musical connection between Greenleaf and his band, showcasing his evolving artistry and unfiltered approach to jazz guitar. Featuring an ensemble of longtime collaborators—Nick Peloso (upright bass), Robert Irvin (keyboards), and Theo Lobo (drumset), the project embodies years of musical partnership and personal growth. This is on full display in Live at Ford Hall releasing May 16th 2025.
Greenleaf, a Vermont-born guitarist and composer, embraces the unique challenges and strengths that shape his playing, including the influence of his cerebral palsy on his approach to the instrument. Live at Ford Hall represents an unfiltered self-portrait of an artist fully embracing his musical voice. “This is as close as I could get to who I am right now,” Greenleaf explains. “It’s supposed to feel raw and unrefined because that’s what I can do.”
The concert setlist showcases Greenleaf’s approach to composition, where space and dynamics play a central role. Tracks such as Opening Theme, Bite Bullet, and Closing Theme highlight his ability to craft expansive musical landscapes with minimal yet impactful melodic material. “My goal that night was to take the audience on a journey through dynamics—to make the quiet sections truly quiet so it feels like we went somewhere when it got loud,” says Greenleaf.
The impact of Greenleaf’s artistry was noted by Ithaca College’s Director of Jazz Studies, Mike Titlebaum, who reflected on Greenleaf’s senior recital just days after the Live at Ford Hall concert: “Dan brings a depth of character and a sense of purpose to his study of music that is truly exceptional. His recital was one of the most effective, gorgeous student performances I’ve heard in my 16 years here.”
