biographical info
With U.S. Top 40 airplay of the single “Poker Face” AKA SUGARLIPS releases his new album "Harmonican Idol". Dano takes a post modern attack on hits and delivers them soaked with harmonica as though he's fulfilling a contract with the devil. Who knew you could make harp music suited for dance clubs, raves and metalheads!
Due to CBC's policy of not posting cover tunes you'll need to visit http://akasugarlips.com to hear the harmonica tracks of favourite hits.
Band members include former long-time Blue Rodeo keyboardist, James Gray, the lead guitarist Bobby Lavigne & drummer Cpt. Killdrums from Canada’s top Metallica cover band Misery - and of course Dano (aka Sugarlips) on harps, DJ and vocals. Juno nominated Travis B. Good of The Sadies and Crawford Teasdale of Zeppelinesque fame also play guitar tracks on the CD.
“Basically I just wanted to record some great guitar songs that I loved that were never intended for harmonica.” “The harp is one of the most passionate sounding instruments and should be able to play any piece of music out there!”
"OK it's true, my dream is to be the Richard Clayderman of the 21st century!"
Now it’s time to bring this eclectic mix out for a ride. For the pure fun of it AKA SUGARLIPS spins out harp covers of songs by such artists as Lady Gaga, Eminem, Linkin Park, Pussycat Dolls, Gnarls Barkley, The Ventures, Dave Brubeck, Scott Joplin, Henri Mancini and more.
Typical feedback after a show has been “Wow! We’ve never heard anything like that before! We loved it.”
Audiences are reacting with a rabid response at the live shows. “It’s incredible. Beyond my expectations!”
“My hopes are that you either LOVE or HATE this project. A passionate response is what I strive for.” So far it’s been mostly Love.
A worldwide fandom is growing quickly through Youtube videos gathering some very high praise from fans around the world!
Dano is an award-winning artist who’s been honoured twice at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art for his work as a New Media producer. He’s also a recent Canadian New Media Awards winner and won numerous international digital media awards since 1995.
But that’s only the half of it! To many Dano is recognized for his harmonica playing with his long time band, Jughead, best known for their song “Hockey Song” that went Gold in 1996. Jughead is also known for its twisted Bluegrass versions of punk & heavy metal songs as well as delivering kick ass bluegrass originals and country classics. The only band to open up a show for the Godfather of Bluegrass Bill Monroe, with a Motorhead song…and Bill loved it! Lemme from Motorhead once said on a BBC interview “Jughead’s cover of Ace of Spades is the only cover version I really like”.
Dano has always had a knack for playing songs seemingly not meant for Harmonica from Pink Floyd Animals to Dvorjak Symphony #9. He’s performed Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine” and “Set The Controls for the Heart of the Sun” live with The Sadies. He also replaced the organist at a Hockey game between the Rockers and the Toronto Maple Leafs old-timers playing the classic organ bits and many classic rock hooks. His repertoire covers a wide range of genres from the obvious Blues and Country to Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Hip-Hop, Rock, Jazz, Industrial, Classical and Pop.