View of Dan at the piano from side and back
Dan Dance: recordings graphic

Dan released his first CD, Dan Dance Trio, Live at the Py, in September of 2003.

The following excerpt is taken from the liner notes.

I decided that my first project would be a live event for two reasons. First, jazz as an improvisatory art form takes on an added dimension when it is performed before an audience. Second, who I am as a musican has been shaped largely by my live appearances so a live recording seemed most natural.

Hamish Lewis reviewed this CD in The Shepherd Express.

Long time Milwaukee jazz pianist Dan Dance has produced a little gem of a CD. It was recorded before a live audience at the Mequon restaurant Chip and Py's. Dance is a regular there most Fridays and Saturdays. He usually performs with only a bass player, either George Welland or Mike Britz, both of whom are on this CD, but here he adds local drummer Andy LoDuca for some extra flair. The style is classic mainstream jazz piano trio. At times the music is quite lively, like the "Ginza Samba" or challenging, as is Thelonious Monk's "Straight No Chaser." But most of the time Dan plays standards ("Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered," "Someone To Watch Over Me") in a soft, romantic, but never boring manner. Somehow he came up with "You Don't Know Me" by '50s country crooner Eddie Arnold. Jazz lovers have no fear. This is not musical wallpaper or lounge music. It is jazz of a high order, but unobtrusive enough to be the soundtrack for an enchanted evening with your significant other, if you wish.

The CD is available at the following locations.