Danny Schneider: Press

MATERIAL: Schneider plays acoustic-driven light rock that is delivered in catchy, slightly off-beat, yet affable, tunes. Tinges of pensive early Sixties folk?rock lace his sound, but don't confine him to the genre. You'd never really expect to see a guy with an acoustic guitar opening and closing his set with two different versions of Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots are Made for Walkin'" but Schneider did it, and in a way that worked and went over well with his audience.
MUSICIANSHIP: Schneider and his crew subscribe to the "get the job done" school of thought: play what compliments and works well with the songs and leave the extraneous displays of ego in the backseat. Each member of Schneider's trio was competent on their instrument and played what was necessary---and played it well.
PERFORMANCE: The cramped confines of the Crooked Bar makes every moment a chair-tripping nightmare that even an acrobat might have trouble with. But the intimacy of the nightclub worked to Schneider's favor as long as nobody had to move. Schneider’s flashy orange suit, with it's cool Carnaby Street cut, contrasted with his guy- next-door vibe that helped him close the distance between himself and his audience.
SUMMARY: Schneider is an above average singer- songwriter who the British would describe as one of the lads. That is to say that, wardrobe withstanding, he comes across as an everyman, a normal working class Joe-- your best pal on stage. Imagine a young Jimmy Stewart with a guitar, in an orange tangerine Nehru jacket and matching slacks.
---TOM FARRELL

Lennon Page has rock star written all over him: from his torn blue jeans to his onstage swagger and his personal life mysteriously hidden from his fans. Page has recently released “LA Rockabilly Blues” and is currently playing throughout the Southland.

But Page isn’t real. He is a character created and performed by Glendale resident Danny Schneider.

“I thought a new character would be fun,” said Schneider. “I was bored with myself. I took the name Lennon Page from two artists (John Lennon and Jimmy Page) who I admire.”

Schneider is a real musician. As a child he was drawn to oldies and the Beatles. His parents recognized his love for music and gave him an acoustic guitar when was 8. Schneider plunked around on it, not getting serious until he was 12. He started taking lessons from Lee Haven and Marty Pigeon and playing with other musicians.

In high school, Schneider joined his first band, Velvet Mourning, and began taking guitar lessons three times a week from three different teachers. He was in and out of a variety of bands. Then in 1977, he decided to learn how to sing because most of the groups he was in broke up after they lost a vocalist, who would also usually take most of the songs with him. Schneider finally ran into bassist/vocalist Keith Tolmich and the two formed Speed Limit and started writing songs together.

Speed Limit broke up, but Schneider and Tolmich have remained writing partners and still help each other with new projects. Tolmich fronts a new group, The Truth, while stepping up as a bassist for Schneider, who group is rounded out with drummer J. Schmutz.

Schneider is a soft-spoken intellectual with an easygoing manner. He attended Cal State Sacramento and Cal State Los Angeles earning a bachelor’s degree in speech communications. He has taught English at Hoover High School in Glendale and also produces and performs in two cable access shows; “The Danny Schneider Show of Music,” a talk show on which he interviews people in the music industry and local artists; and “Cooking with Chef Bone Apa Teet,” a humorous cooking show featuring a rambunctious chef played by Schneider.

How much of Lennon Page is Schneider?

“Lennon Page is from England,” said Schneider. “And he performs blues and rockabilly and wears a bandanna. He is more serious that I am about music and wants control. He also wants to see people dance.

Page’s bands current show includes a list of traditional favorite covers such as “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “The House is Rockin” and “All shook Up,” as well as the original tune “The Hurt Won’t Seem to Stop”. The music of the Lennon Page Trio is appropriate family fare for carnivals and festivals. Schneider is also interested in donating his talents to events supporting breast cancer research, such as fun walks and health fairs.

“I don’t enjoy the club scene where you have to promote,” Schneider said.

Schneider as himself, will be taking a break from music, but is planning to record an album of acoustic songs next years, as well as putting together a release so Speed Limit songs in which he was the featured vocalist. During this hiatus, Schneider will be busy promoting Page and his new album.

“I wanted to make an album of toe-tappers, songs that get you up, make you dance, give you energy at work or while driving your car,” he said. “I wanted to make music of universal appeal, happy music, music that everybody likes, songs that old people and young people can both enjoy in a park, in a club, in a restaurant, in a living room – anywhere. Just fun music. That was the only goal.”

He stands centerstage with his guitar slung low at his waist. He is wearing the typical rocker black T-shirt and torn jeans with a bandana tied around his face Western outlaw-style. Gently he reaches out to adjust the microphone. Then with a shout, he and the band burst into the rockabilly rouser "I Got Stung."
This is Lennon Page, a musician, a mystery, a man. I have traveled into the dark depths of the Crooked Bar, which is down a steep set of stairs at the back of the Coconut Teazer in Hollywood, California. It is my job to coax Page into talking about himself and dispelling any rumors that he is some rock icon performing incognito. I sit through his set and then get him to curl up with me in a corner for an interview.
British-born Page has settled here in Los Angeles and has recently released his debut effort, "LA Rockabilly Blues," on Territory 3 Records. His tour band consists of drummer J. Schmutz and bassist Keith Tolmich (Editor's note: Check out Tolmich's column, Me, Myself & I, and check the archives to learn more about this multi-talented artist). Page is very serious about his work, but he wants his fans to feel happy when they hear his music. He would also like to get out of the clubs and play at festivals, fairs and other events where he can share his music with even more people, as well as families. Page...
...leans over and pulls the bandana off of his face.
"Do you want to interview me or Lennon?" he asks.
"Well, isn't it the same thing?" I say with a smile.
"Yes and no." Hollywood staple Danny Schneider looks up with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, "I thought a new character would be fun. I was bored with myself. I took the name, Lennon Page, from two artists (John Lennon and Jimmy Page) who I admire. Lennon Page is from England and he performs blues and rockabilly and wears a bandana. He is more serious than I am about music and wants control. He also wants to see people dance.''
Schneider is best known for performing with the band Speed Limit and for his cable television show, "The Danny Schneider Show of Music," which focuses on the business side of the music industry, as well as local artists. During the day, he is an English teacher at Herbert Hoover High School and plays the bass in the faculty band.
While growing up, Schneider listened to oldies and the Beatles. He got his first guitar, an acoustic, from his parents when he was eight. He goofed around on it a bit, but the guitar mostly gathered dust until he was 12. Then Schneider began taking lessons from Marty Pigeon who taught him how to play his first song, "Gloria."
Schneider continued working on the guitar by himself and picked up some licks from other players as well. By high school, he was hooked and began taking three lessons a week from three different teachers. He also joined his first band, Velvet Mourning.
By 1977, Schneider had experienced many of the usual formings and breakups that go on in bands and started singing. It was one way to keep things going because, in most cases, when a vocalist would leave the band Schneider was playing in, he would take his songs with him.
Schneider finally teamed up with bassist/vocalist Keith Tolmich and formed Speed Limit. It was a match made in music heaven-- the two found that they had a natural talent for co-writing tunes. Schneider would come up with music or a title and Tolmich would pen the lyrics.
"I start writing with phrases or song titles, then it comes out," explains Schneider who does his composition on the guitar.
Speed Limit has since dissolved, but Schneider and Tolmich are still writing together and supporting each other in their various projects. Tolmich is fronting a band called Keith Tolmich and the Truth, in addition to performing in Lennon Page.
Schneider's calm manner and warm soft voice instantly pegs him as slightly different from the usual rocker. He attended both Cal State Sacramento and Cal State Los Angeles and has a bachelor's degree in speech communications.
I decide to torture him, "Who's your favorite author?"
He goes through Hemmingway and other choices before settling on Shakespeare.
"What's your favorite work?" I press.
"'The Marriage of Heaven and Hell' by (William) Blake," he rattles off with confidence.
I also learn that Schneider has been a vegetarian for the past eight years and enjoys reading self-help books, particularly those by Tony Robbins. He has been busy taping a new show, "Cooking with Chef Bone Apateet." Schneider plays the chef, who smokes incessantly and uses tuna and mayonnaise in every recipe. The show will be coming to cable access in the Los Angeles area soon.
"Does Lennon Page know about Chef?" I muse.
"Hmmm," smiles Schneider. "That would be interesting. I just might try to do that."
Schneider is concentrating on Lennon Page's music for the time being rather than his own, but has other projects in the works. He is planning to record an album of acoustic songs and also wants to release a collection of the Speed Limit songs he sang.
Page's set is chock full of rock staples like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Jailhouse Rock," as well as a few original tunes such as "The Hurt Won't Seem to Stop." The band is solid, with Schumtz keeping a steady rhythm and adding just the right accents and Tolmich tweaking the bass with finesse. Schneider, as Page, performs with energy and sass while remaining a competent vocalist/guitarist.
In addition to seeking out gigs at carnivals, pancake breakfasts and the like, Schneider would like to donate his talent to a worthy cause, such as events supporting breast cancer research. He would like to take his family-friendly music to fun runs, health fairs and similar events.
"I don't enjoy the club scene where you have to promote,'' says Schneider.
He would prefer to reach a wide range of people, as well as doing something good.
Schneider slouches in his seat and then sits up. It seems that Page wants to tell me one last thing.
"I wanted to make an album of toe-tappers, songs that get you up, makes you dance, gives you energy at work or while driving your car. I wanted to make music of universal appeal, happy music, music that everybody likes, songs that old people and young people can both enjoy in a park, in a club, in a restaurant, in a living room… anywhere. Just fun music. That was the only goal.''
So, you undercover icon, what do you do for an encore??
To find out more about Danny Schneider visit http://www.mp3.com/dannyschneider . To contact Schneider regarding your community event e-mail DaBelly.com and your message will be forwarded to him promptly.

Material: Lennon Page’s brand of rock & roll blues is the perfect complement to any loud, drunken bar full of classic rock lovers. Playing cover tunes such as “I Can’t Quit You Babe” by Led Zeppelin, “The House is Rockin” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and “All Shook up” by Elvis Presley (done in double time), this act reaches true rockabilly proportions. The original tunes of the evening, like “Nothin’ but the Truth” are soulful, bluesy and straight with no chaser.

Musicianship: With a steady hand and a loose, casual style, Page’s guitar work is the obvious main event in this trio. While his vocals are nothing to be scoffed at, he seems to do his best work when he and his guitar are left to their own devices. Tolmich holds tight reins on his bass, showing skill and dexterity, while Schmutz’s drum work keeps the tempo most of the time. Unfortunately, the solo moments lack enthusiasm.

Performance: Lennon Page is a true-blooded entertainer. The band took the stage and started playing while Page was nowhere to be seen, though his riffs filled the venue. Eventually, he walked through the front door, playing his way through the seedy crowd like a mariachi in a Mexican Restaurant, pausing to show his skills every now and then on his way to the stage. His deft fingers and heartfelt love for rockabilly blues made for an entertaining show.

Summary: In today’s world of stylistic amalgamations and musical crossbreeding, it’s nice to know that some people still hold true to their roots. Lennon Page is one of those folks. His no nonsense approach to classic rock & roll, mixed with faultless showmanship, give the crowd a rockin’ good time.

Danny Schneider's alter ego, when he's not teaching English at Hoover High School, is a combination of rock 'n' roll legends John Lennon and Jimmy Page.

Schneider, who sings and plays guitar in a blues and rockabilly band called the Lennon Page Trio, will take his stage persona to the streets this weekend during the 27th "occasional" Pasadena Doo Dah parade.

Lennon was the lead singer of the Beatles, and Page was the guitarist for Led Zeppelin.

" 'Lennon-Page' is my alter ego, and he's the kind of guy who is just totally into his music and his guitar," said Schneider, 49.

Schneider, along with band mates J. Schmutz on drums and Bill McRae on bass, will set up their gear on the back of a flatbed truck Sunday — dressed all in black with black bandannas — and play a long list of early Elvis Presley hits and the band's original songs during the parade.

About 1,500 participants will be featured in the parade, known for its themes of political and social satire.

"Once you go out and experience [the parade], you are hooked, and you don't want to miss it anymore," Schneider said. "It's sort of a unique fun, like a wild satire, and you have a smile on your face the whole time."

The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Old Pasadena historic district, at Raymond and Holly streets. It heads south on Raymond to Colorado Boulevard, and continues west on Colorado to Pasadena Avenue.

Parking is available in structures on every block adjacent to the parade route. Metro Gold Line rail stations adjacent to the parade are the Del Mar Station and Memorial Park Station.

The Light Bringer Project sponsors the parade. It is a nonprofit organization that puts together art programs for school-age children at the Metro Gallery in Pasadena.