Dan “Chimy” (shim’-ee) Chmielinski is a New York Times critically acclaimed, award winning bassist, composer, synthesist, sound designer and bandleader. Currently based in Los Angeles, Dan maintains a bi-coastal schedule comprised of live performances, film scoring, and music production. Dan founded and leads several groups of his own, including “Four by Four,” an octet which showcases a jazz quartet alongside string quartet, and “Circuit Kisser,” an electronic ensemble consisting of five synthesizers, electric bass and drums, combining jazz harmonies and electronic music; both showcasing Dan’s original compositions.
He began playing bass at age three, initially utilizing a toddler-sized acoustic bass his parents created using a half-size cello with bass guitar strings. Dan received his master’s degree in jazz studies from The Juilliard School in 2017 where he also earned his bachelor’s degree studying under the great Ron Carter.
He has performed around the globe and has played venues + festivals including The Hollywood Bowl, Chicago Symphony Center, The Newport Jazz Festival, The Monterrey Jazz Festival, The Umbria Jazz Festival and the Ravinia Festival. He has been continuously inspired and mentored by some of the world’s greatest musicians, including Richard Davis, Ben Wolfe, Jason Heath, Carlos Henriquez, Jay Anderson. Dan was one of 15 musicians selected to participate in Ravinia’s prestigious Steans Institute, where he collaborated with jazz masters David Baker, Nathan Davis, Curtis Fuller, and Rufus Reid. Dan plays and endorses Pirastro Eudoxa strings.
As a composer, he has written and won accolades for film scores and documentary scores. More at: https://www.chimyonthebass.com/