About

Dan Kassel is a versatile cellist who performs in a variety of ensembles ranging from classical to electronica, jazz and rock. As a solo artist, Dan has made a name for himself with his innovative approach to live-looping technology. By tapping, plucking and bowing on his instrument and recording each layer to play back in real time, he's built a career as a one-man-band who provides soulful, original music for weddings, fine restaurants, private parties, corporate events and more.

Dan strives to take the instrument outside of its strictly classical context into the world of improvisational music. His approach to the instrument has seen him play alongside rock stars from Ween and Henry Rollins Band as well as in gospel churches, electronica groups and a wide variety of rock and jazz ensembles where he's as comfortable ripping into a solo as the guitarist standing beside him. He’s currently working with the touring electric violinist for Lady Gaga, and he’s been featured on recordings alongside Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Glenn McClelland (Ween, Blood Sweat and Tears) and Jack Daley (Lenny Kravitz, Spin Doctors). Dan is the "go-to" cellist for many notable Philadelphia artists such as Lotus, Suzanne Sheer, MINKA and Keegan Tawa. 

"There's a backbone of classical technique that allows him to then use technology to take the instrument to a place unexpected: it's as if the instrument lives on its own - almost as if Kassel is being guided by the cello instead of the other way around." - Lisa Rich, NJ.com