Guitarist Donavan Dailey is an innovative classical/jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and teacher. He has carved out an interesting niche for a nylon string guitarist. As a classical guitarist, Donavan holds a degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Middle Tennessee State University. He has studied under Dr. William Yelverton and Roger Hudson and has performed in master classes with Anna Vidivich, William Kanengaiser and Jason Viuex. Over recent years he has pursued his passion for teaching by starting Telluride Music School. Donavan can be found teaching and performing regularly in the Telluride area.
IF YOU COULD HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH ONE ARTIST, ALIVE OR DECEASED, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Andrés Segovia because he changed the destiny of the Classical Guitar. I would like to thank him for that.
Which artistic media inspires you most?
Currently...light and crystals particularly light shining through crystals. I think there's endless beauty there.
What is your favorite awkward growth moment or barrier-breaking time?
Nothing really comes to mind right now. Well, I'm sure there were very distinct formative moments in my evolution. It's really been pretty gradual and even keel.
What inspires you and/or keeps you engaged and moving forward?
Inspired, forward moving, engaged, I do have brief glimpses of these qualities in my life. The more they happen the better. For me, I think it's reflecting upon, and looking at the deeper life goals that I came to in my youth when I remember promises I made to myself early on. For example, you're young right now, you have your whole life ahead of you. Maybe you should commit to learning something, mastering something, striving for perfection at something. I really wanted to understand music and perfect the craft of wielding a fine instrument.
Tell us about your upcoming events, new releases, or anticipated projects.
I'll be playing the Telluride Chamber Music happy hour at the Telluride Arts HQ Gallery on Main Street. I'm pretty excited to unleash a four original Jazz tunes. My friend and duo partner Dan Dallesandro will be joining me on the saxophone for half of the concert. On January 29, I'll be joining the Sustenance concert for Telluride Chamber Music. Joining me on that and I'll be playing a Flamenco piece by Paco de Lucía called “Mediterranean Sundance.” I have Danny DAlessandro on Sax, Danny, Desantis on Violin and Dr. David Homer on bass.
I’m also gearing up for a music video with my violinist, Annie Foxen for my duo. I will also be shooting a video with my jazz trio in the spring and gearing up for a great summer of live music and beautiful gigs and beautiful places.