about
The Semifinalists are a quartet based out of NYC. They are heavily influenced by contemporary jazz, new music and improvised music.
Daniel Venne (Guitar)
Dan has an extensive background in classical guitar. He is from WI. Since moving to New York he has studied with John Scofield, Randy Johnston, Bruce Arnold, Tony Moreno and Ralph Alessi. The Semifinalists began as a final project at NYU to perform his original compositions. He has toured Europe with his band Cougar.
Scot Hornick has studied bass and improvisation with many great teachers including Mike Richmond, Charlie Banacous, and Tony Moreno. Scot’s bass playing is in great demand from blues players in NJ to new music groups in Brooklyn. Scot also has a history of death metal bands including Dim Mak.
Hailing from CA, Heath Walton is a powerhouse at the tenor saxaphone. Most recently Heath’s other
group, High Life, was awarded a recording contract and made an album in CA this summer. Heath
has studied with George Garzone and Chris Potter among others
Sam Levin (Drums)
Sam Levin is from CA. Since moving to NYC he has been involved in many different projects. Sam’s rock group “SeaSick” is receiving great praise from publications such as the village voice who called him a “prodigy”.