Artist Spotlight: DannyJu 🎹
Daniel LĂłpez De La Torre, known as “DannyJu,” has been a seasoned drummer based in Puerto Vallarta live music scene since 1999. Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Daniel’s musical journey began at the University of Guadalajara’s Music Workshop from 1996 to 1999, where he specialized in Musical Reading and Drums. Under the mentorship of Francisco Ramirez, he delved into the History of Jazz, Music Theory, and Modern Harmony, studying influential composers like Debussy, Schoenberg, Stockhausen, and Cage.
In 2002, Daniel began teaching drums and music theory at the Rio Cuale music school, also known as Islita. It was there that he earned the nickname “DannyJu,” a moniker given by Mario Cibrián Sr. as a nod to his father, Daniel LĂłpez Arganis, a renowned bass player known as “Danny Senior.” With a rich musical lineage tracing back to his great-great-grandfather from Villahidalgo, Jalisco, music runs deep in Daniel’s veins.
Daniel’s professional career took off in 2001-2002 when he joined his father’s eclectic jazz group, Daskandonga. Over the years, he has performed in a wide range of settings, from rock bars and churches to hotels, festivals, and prestigious venues. His versatility as a drummer has allowed him to explore various genres, including bachata, classical music, salsa, cumbia, reggae, reggaeton, jazz, pop, rock, ballads, funk, blues, merengue, regional Mexican music, tango, samba, bossa nova, and trova to mention a few.
DannyJu was a drummer at Stolie’s CD release concert and is currently the drummer for Empress and the Crown Jewels, as well as Un Tal Abraham, an original Latin music project. Some of DannyJu’s most cherished performances include the Spring Jazz Fest by Cuates y Cuetes, where he has been a staple since 2003, and the Chamacos Jazz Fest, which he has been a part of since 2013. For 14 seasons, he was the drummer for Armi Grano’s Encore Jazz Bar, where he honed his skills in traditional jazz. Additionally, he has made his mark in numerous shows at The Palm, Incanto, and Act2PV Theater, drumming for tributes and original music projects alike.
In addition to his performing career, DannyJu continues to teach drum lessons and music theory, nurturing the next generation of musicians. He also manages two Facebook groups for musicians, MĂşsicos PV and Comunidad Jazz Vallarta, fostering a vibrant online community.
